Same day emergency care (SDEC) is one of the many ways the NHS is working to provide the right care, in the right place, at the right time for patients.
SDEC is the provision of same day care for urgent or emergency patients without the need to attend the Emergency Department (ED) or who would otherwise be admitted to hospital.
Under this care model, patients presenting at hospital with relevant conditions can be rapidly assessed by a doctor or Advance Clinical Practitioner (ACP), 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.
Please be aware, routine blood tests results usually take 2hours, and you many need additional tests after this including (MRI, ultrasound, or CT) which could mean that you are in the department for several hours. On occasions we do need patients to return on subsequent days to undergo further investigations or to be followed up and reviewed if we need to repeat tests.
We also run a frailty service 8am - 8pm Monday to Friday.
SDEC Frailty: 0161 7783275
When some people become unwell, it is not uncommon to lose their independence. Their ability to bounce back after having an illness, even if only minor, can be difficult. In older adults this is more common. They may have several health problems or struggle with their independence at home even when they are well. ‘Frailty’ is the medical term for being vulnerable in this way.
Patients need to fulfil certain criteria to be accepted into frailty same day emergency care (FSDEC) to ensure clinical safety. FSDEC works closely with the Emergency Department, the ambulance services, and admission wards to try to prevent unnecessary admission. You will be seen by our specialist team of doctors, nurses and therapists who will establish an individualised care plan for you. The team will work with community services to ensure you are discharged to an appropriate destination with care suited to your individual needs.
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
We see medical and ear, nose and throat conditions such as:
- Chest pain
- Blood clots in legs (DVT) or lungs (PE)
- Exacerbations of asthma or COPD
- Anaemia
- Infections
- Ear nose and throat conditions including bell’s palsy
- Headaches
We are located on ward 18, a short walk from ED and close to entrance 3 of the main hospital at Fairfield General.
Visitors – Patients are entitled to bring one visitor with them to the SDEC Unit.
Due to the small footprint of the department at busier times relatives may be asked to leave to accommodate patients. However, we will always try to accommodate relatives as much as possibleDue to the small footprint of the department at busier times relatives may be asked to leave to accommodate patients. However, we will always try to accommodate relatives as much as possible.
Patients can be referred to SDEC treatment through different routes, including:
- Following streaming or triage in emergency departments (EDs)
- Direct referral from GPs
- Direct transfer from ambulance services
GP to referrals are made via switchboard, asking for the medical referral/advice bleep.