Surgical SDEC

What is same day emergency care?

SDEC is the provision of same day care for emergency patients who would otherwise be admitted to hospital.

This is part of the NHS Long Term Plan and the national SDEC model builds on previous improvement work in ambulatory emergency care (AEC) services across the NHS, with the aim of providing a consistent approach to patient pathways

Under this care model, patients presenting at hospital with relevant conditions can be rapidly assessed, diagnosed and treated without being admitted to a ward, and if clinically safe to do so, will go home the same day their care is provided.

It provides direct access to some specialties and may avoid the need for you to return to the hospital for an outpatient appointment and potentially reduce the number of clinicians you will see.

It means patients that have seen a GP already do not need to be seen by the accident and emergency team but can be seen by the right clinician first time.

Why is this good for patients?

There are significant benefits associated with treating people through SDEC services, including:

the ability for patients to be assessed, diagnosed and start treatment on the same day, improving patient experience and reducing hospital admissions
avoiding unplanned and longer than necessary stays in hospitals, resulting in lower risk of infections and de-conditioning for patients
Financial benefits and cost savings for hospitals, and often for patients too

Which specialties are involved in SDEC?

General surgery
Urology
Gastroenterology
Vascular
Gynaecology

Can I walk in to SDEC for an opinion?

No, you must have been assessed by your doctor (GP) or triaged at accident and emergency department before attending SDEC for appropriate specialty review.

It is mandatory that the appropriate specialty team have agreed to review you at SDEC.

What will happen to me in SDEC?

Investigations such as bloods and electrocardiogram (ECG) may be completed by the nursing team as well as observations such as blood pressure.
You will be seen by a senior clinical decision maker (doctor, advanced clinical or nurse practitioner) who will assess your needs and make a treatment plan.
Treatments such as Intravenous (IV) medication, additional diagnostics and scans and physical examination may be carried out.
Patients will either then be discharged home to continue care under their GP, be admitted for further treatment or investigations or be asked to return to the unit the next day for further assessment and treatment.

Location

SDEC unit
Ground Floor
Near North Entrance
The James Cook University Hospital
Marton Road, Middlebrough
TS4 3BW

Opening hours

8am to 9pm (seven days a week)

Referral timings

Patient must be in the department at the below specified timings:

Accident and emergency: 8am to 7pm
General practitioners: 8am to 6pm