Welcome to the Surgical Assessment Unit (SAU)
The Surgical Assessment Unit is now based within ward B12. The ward is co-located with the surgical specialties ward and is next to the general surgery ward; this allows for ease of transfer for admitted patients.
Patients accepted for surgical review will be brought into SAU where they will be seen by a member of the team (FY1, ANP or registrar) who will arrange initial investigations and management before consultant review.
On occasion patients will be brought back to SAU under the care of their base consultant for repeat bloods, imaging or review after discharge.
Typical Staffing
- 1x FY1
- 1x ANP
- 1x Surgical Reg +/- SHO
- 1x ‘Front door’ Consultant (with inpatient oncall consultant on ‘back door’)
FY1 Role
The surgical FY1 rota has time scheduled for experience in SAU where you will be supported by the ANP, surgical registrar and a team of experienced nursing staff.
Responsibilities
Clerk new patients to present on ward round
- Carry out ward round with consultant oncall and action tasks
- Update patients, relatives and the wider MDT with regard to management plan
- Practical procedures including cannulation, venepuncture, ABGs
- Completion of med-rec and VTE assessment for all patients
- Referrals to other specialties where appropriate
- Timely completion of IDL for each episode of care
Registrar Role
The surgical registrar will work with the oncall consultant to manage the new ‘take’ either Mon-Thur or Fri-Sun, with corresponding nightshift registrar after 8pm. This includes providing advice to the SAU based junior staff and ANP, reviewing new patients and assisting in theatre.
The surgical registrar may also be contacted by other specialties for advice or review.