New surgical unit ‘better for patients and doctors’ |
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Emergency surgical patients have been benefiting from the new surgical short-stay emergency unit, located in the Emergency Assessment Unit (EAU). Patients who are likely to only require a stay of two or three days are admitted to the unit, where they are diagnosed, treated and discharged quickly. “It’s fast, efficient and geared up to people who come in as an emergency and require surgery,” explains Nigel Hall, Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon. “It’s better for both patients and doctors as surgical emergencies are concentrated in one place, which is part of the EAU philosophy. The emphasis and priority is on emergency care.” Patients who are seen in the unit include those with conditions like appendicitis, minor fractures or needing hand plastic surgery, for example. Another advantage of the unit is that care is led by nurses. “This empowers them to decide whether the patient is admitted or not, and they can make their own discharges. Nurses are also able to dispense the drugs that patients take home with them, which greatly speeds up the discharge procedure,” says Nigel. The new unit has also helped staff to plan emergency plastic surgery. Previously, some patients might have had to wait for several days in a main hospital ward while they waited for their operation. “We are now able to assess patients in the EAU, and if appropriate they can be allowed home and then come back for their surgery on a planned emergency list,” explains Nigel. The new surgical short-stay unit has already proved a success. “It’s well-designed, there’s a very pleasant atmosphere for patients and staff are very positive – it’s achieving all it set out to do,” concludes Nigel. For further information, please contact Emma Oram, Press Officer |
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