A NEW Surgical Assessment Unit (SAU) is now fully operational at Warwick Hospital.
The purpose-designed unit will support and enhance emergency surgical services by allowing rapid patient assessment and enabling treatment plans to be drawn up as quickly as possible.
Having the facility on site is set to reduce in waiting times and also provide same day care for emergency patients, who otherwise might be admitted to hospital.
South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT) has invested £1.2million to create the unit which houses a triage area, seated area and four beds, including a single room with ensuite. Patients with general surgical needs including, acute abdominal pain such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, biliary pains, hernias or abscesses and urological issues, will be referred to the SAU for investigations and any necessary treatment.
The development will also play a vital role in supporting the hospital throughout the winter period.
It will enable patients visiting the site for urgent surgical care to be assessed and treated in a designated area, supporting the trust’s ability to effectively manage Covid-19.
Annalie Baker, surgical advanced clinical practitioner, said: “This development will enable us to offer emergency surgical patients rapid access to the care and treatment they need, as well as freeing up capacity in the Emergency Department.
“At SWFT we feel very strongly about patients being treated in the most appropriate setting, so investing in areas like this enables us as clinicians to do our jobs effectively, whilst improving the patient experience.”
