Surgical unit celebrates first birthday
Date of release: 26 January 2024
A unit which helps patients gain quicker and easier access to treatment for surgical conditions is celebrating its first birthday.
The Surgical Same Day Emergency Care (SSDEC) unit, based on A16 at Wolverhampton’s New Cross Hospital, opened in January 2023 to benefit both patients and the healthcare system by reducing waiting times and hospital admissions, where appropriate.
So far more than 4,000 patients have been cared for there, an average of 461 per month.
Patients can be referred directly to the Nurse-led unit from a GP practice, Urgent Treatment Centres or be re-directed via the Emergency Department.
They are then assessed, diagnosed, and treated without being admitted to a ward, and if it is clinically safe to do so, will go home the same day their care is provided. This helps to improve treatment times and relieve hospital pressures.
The unit treats patients for various surgical conditions such as acute appendicitis, hernia related issues, and post-surgery infections. Most patients who are referred do not require surgery and after diagnostic tests and assessments could be managed at home rather than as an inpatient.
Vicki Fleury, Matron Surgical Directorate, said: “I am so proud of the staff on SSDEC who have worked so hard to make the unit a success.
“We have a fantastic team who work flat out to provide the best care for our patients.
“The unit is still being developed and we are hoping to offer more treatments as we progress.
“There are so many benefits to treating patients through SSDEC including patients being assessed and diagnosed in a timely manner, improving their experience.”
Gloria Newman, 76 from Wolverhampton, has attended SSDEC for treatment five times as she needs magnesium infusions due to having low levels in the blood.
She said: “The staff are always so friendly and kind. It is a nice environment to come to and they always make me feel at ease.”
ENDS
- For further information, please email amy.downward@nhs.net
