Welcome to Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) at St Richard’s Hospital

What is this information about?

This information is about the Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) unit at St Richard’s Hospital. It explains what the SDEC is for, what to expect when you arrive, and useful information about your visit.

Why have I been given this information?

You have been given this information because you have been referred to SDEC. This is because you need to be seen for medical assessment or treatment, but do not necessarily need to stay in hospital overnight.

You have been given this information to help you to prepare for your visit and understand what to expect. You can share this information with anyone looking after you, so that they know what to expect too.

What are the SDEC opening hours?

What is SDEC?

SDEC stands for Same Day Emergency Care.

SDEC is a way of giving people medical help so that they get emergency treatment, tests, and care without an overnight hospital stay.

We want to avoid admitting you to hospital if you do not need to be there. We will do this by giving you the help and support you need on the day that you arrive at SDEC.

Who is seen in SDEC?

We see a wide range of people in SDEC. These includes people who have been referred from:

• The Emergency Department (A&E)
• The Acute Assessment Unit (AAU) after initial admission
• Their GP following assessment or concerns
• Ambulance services, following a 999 call and clinical review

Everyone is assessed so that we can make sure that SDEC is the best place for their care.

Can I turn up at SDEC without an appointment?

No. Please do not come to SDEC without an appointment.

If you think you can be helped at SDEC, speak first to your GP, NHS 111, the Emergency Department, or ambulance service. They will advise you on the best place for your care.

What services does SDEC offer?

Our Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) unit is staffed by a skilled multidisciplinary team. Multidisciplinary means that the team is made up of staff who are expert in different things. We provide same-day assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and care for you, if you do not need an overnight hospital stay.

The services we have at SDEC include:

• Acute medicine (looking after people who need urgent or emergency care)
• General surgery
• Orthopaedics (health conditions to do with bones, joints and muscles)
• Urology (illnesses and conditions to do with the bladder and kidneys)

We want to make sure that you are seen quickly and by the right person.

What will happen when I visit SDEC?

1) Arrival

To get to SDEC, please enter the hospital through the main reception. Turn right and continue past WHSmiths.

When you arrive, please go to the main reception desk. You will be booked in and directed to the appropriate waiting area.

2) Assessment

You will first be seen by a triage nurse, who will carry out an initial (first) assessment.
This helps us to know:

• Which tests or investigations may be needed to find out more about your condition

3) Investigations

Depending on your condition, we may carry out a range of tests. These could include:

• Blood tests
• X-rays
• ECG (heart tracing)
• Ultrasound scan (USS)
• Other diagnostic tests

We aim to begin your investigations as early as possible so that you are seen and treated quickly.

How long will I be here?

Everyone’s needs are different, so it can be difficult to give an exact time frame.

We aim to see patients in the order they arrive, but please be aware that we may need to see people who are more unwell, more quickly.

The time you spend in SDEC will depend on which tests or treatment you need. Complicated tests and treatments might take all day.

We understand that waiting can be frustrating. We will make every effort to keep delays to a minimum.

Can someone stay with me?

You are welcome to have one person stay with you during your visit.

Please do not bring children to SDEC. If this is difficult for you, please speak to the nurse in charge. They will do their best to help you.

Can I leave SDEC?

It is best if you stay at SDEC throughout your appointment. This is because investigations and assessments can take place at any time.

There is a limited catering service in SDEC for our patients.  Friends and family can buy refreshments at main reception.

If you do need to leave the unit, please:

• Tell a member of staff
• Make sure we have a contact number for you, in case we need to call you back quickly.

What happens next?

In most cases, you can go home the same day after receiving treatment.

Before you leave, you may be:

• Given advice or medication
• Asked to return for a follow-up review or treatment
• Referred to your GP for ongoing care

Our team will make sure you understand the next steps before you leave. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Will I be given medicine at SDEC if I need it?

The nursing team on the SDEC will give you any medicine you need before you leave. They will also make sure you have clear instructions on how and when to take your medicine.

How do I get home from SDEC?

You will need to arrange your own transport home. If you have any problems with this, please speak to a member of staff.

Can I park at the hospital?

Yes. Please note that you will need to pay for your own parking. Parking costs are not covered by the SDEC service.

We recommend checking parking charges and payment options before you come to SDEC.

Are both male and female patients seen at the SDEC?

Yes. We care for both male and female patients at SDEC.

Your privacy and dignity are very important to us. We will always aim to maintain this throughout your time here. If you have any specific needs or concerns, please let a member of staff know so we can support you appropriately.

What if I have concerns during my visit to SDEC?

If you have any concerns during your visit, please speak to the nurse in charge. They will do their best to help and support you.

If your concern cannot be resolved at the time, you can also contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) for further assistance. They are here to listen, offer advice, and help resolve any issues you may have.

Can I leave feedback?

Yes. Our staff in the Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) unit want to give everyone coming to SDEC a positive experience. We value your feedback and welcome any comments about your visit to help us continue improving our service.

Please consider completing a Friends and Family Test questionnaire to share your experience with us. Your input is greatly appreciated.   

Who can I contact for further information and advice?