The Surgical Assessment Unit consists of two main subdivisions – inpatient bays and SAU SDEC (ambulatory care). We look after patient across several different specialties such as Colorectal, Upper Gastro-Intestinal, Maxillofacial, ENT and Urology.
We have 19 inpatient beds and 2 side rooms. SAU SDEC has 15 chairs for clinic patients. The head and neck assessment hub (HANAH) run by the oral-maxillo facial surgery team also operates in SAU.
Your hospital stay
We recognise that being in a hospital can be a daunting experience. You might be admitted unexpectedly and unprepared. During your stay, you can request:
- Hospital pyjamas/nighties/gowns
This can be requested if you did not bring any night clothes on your admission. We encourage patients to change into their own clothes when this becomes available as study shows that this helps in conditioning patients towards their recovery.
- Hygiene kits:
- Bar soap
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Shampoo
- Towels
Identity checks
The ward clerk will book you in and will give you an ID wristband (if you don’t have one yet).
Red allergy bands
Please let us know if you have any allergies and an alert band will be provided.
Vital signs
This will be taken consisting of blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respirations, pain score together with your height and weight.
Diet
You may be asked to be NBM (nothing by mouth) while waiting for a scan to happen or for scan results.
Anti-embolic stockings
All surgical patients, unless contraindicated, will be given compression stockings to improve your circulation and avoid formation of venous thromboembolism (blood clots).
Students and trainees
As the Trust is a leading referral and teaching hospital, student nurses and doctors will also participate in delivering care under close supervision of qualified professionals.
Sign-up to MyChart
Once you have signed-up you will be able to access your hospital information via MyChart from your smartphone or tablet device (Apple or Android) or from a computer or laptop.
Support available
'This is Me' and hospital passport
These are forms that next-of-kin and carers can fill in for any patient who does not have capacity or may need additional support in decision-making, function, communication and expression.
Carer’s passport
This is a document granting main carers flexible visiting to assist and provide care for the patient during inpatient stay.
Chaperoning
The ward can organise a chaperone during intimate examinations.
Translation
For official procedures such as signing of surgical consent forms, we can provide a translator hired by the trust.
Car parking
Concession parking tickets can be stamped for SAU SDEC patients only. Unfortunately, we cannot stamp parking tickets for inpatient visitors.
If you are visiting a patient who is likely to be hospitalised for two weeks or more, you can get a discounted parking ticket from the main reception. This allows you to exit from the car parks for 14 consecutive days from the day you validate the ticket.
Food and beverages
Drinks, snacks, hot food and sandwiches are available for patients from the ward kitchen. Please speak to a member of staff you have any allergies, intolerances or religious requirements.
Staying mobile
Staying mobile in hospital can help you recover more quickly. Being immobile can lead to additional health problems, such as infections and pressure sores. It can also increase your risk of blood clots.
To avoid venous thromboembolism (VTE), you’ll be encouraged to move around the ward regularly. You’ll be given as much assistance as you need to move about.
Visiting
Only 1 visitor for each SDEC SAU patient and only 2 visitors for each inpatient can be allowed at any given time. Please be aware that there will be instances wherein you maybe requested to wait or leave to enable staff to deliver important care to our patients.
Nursing teams do their handover at 7:15 and 19:15.
Current visiting policy
Restricted visiting will be permitted on most wards and areas such as our Emergency Department. Please follow our guidance to find our more information as some areas do still have restrictions.
Discharge
AVS (after visit summary/discharge letter)
You will be given a printed report summarising your health and guide for future care. This will show discharge instructions to assist you towards your recovery.
Medicines
If you’re given any medicine to take home, you will usually be given enough for the following 7 days. A copy of the AVS will be sent to your GP which will include information about your medicine. If you need to keep taking your medication, make sure you arrange to get a repeat prescription from your GP before your hospital supply runs out.
Organising transport
We encourage you to arrange a relative or friend to collect you on your discharge. Please inform the staff for any issues.
Key staff
Ward manager: Joshua Visaya
Charge nurses/sisters
- Alessio Casipoli
- Claire Driver
- Paul Ebis
- Rasin Gafoor
- Victoria Holdaway
- Dean Villarante
Matron: Carmen Jimenez Maqueda