A new unit aims to reduce the number of patients requiring a stay in hospital.
The Ambulatory Care Unit allows patients who would normally be treated as inpatients to be seen as a day case.
The unit, which can accommodate up to four patients, allows them to come in for the day to undergo routine investigations, observations or treatments. Treatments currently available include those for cellulitis, deep vein thrombosis and pleural effusion. Staff on the unit work closely with community teams to ensure an overall package of care is in place for each patients.
The Unit was officially opened by Derek Kenny, president of the patient forum at the Trust.
Wendy Preston who leads the team said; “There have been great advances in treatment in recent years that mean that more medical procedures can be carried out on ‘day case’ basis, without the need for a patient to be admitted to the hospital.
“Our patients tell us that they would much rather be in their own home rather than staying in hospital and this new unit will allow us to achieve this. In addition, it frees up beds for more seriously ill patients who do require a stay in hospital.”
