Locals needing emergency surgery can expect to benefit from more efficient assessment and treatment thanks to the opening a dedicated area at Good Hope Hospital, the Surgical Assessment Unit (SAU).

Needing emergency surgery can be stressful and daunting, but those patients coming to the SAU can be reassured that they will receive all the care they need in one place.  Based on ward 17 and comprising  15 short-stay beds and four male and four female assessment bays; the new facility will enable assessments to be made quicker and earlier.  Decisions about short or longer term treatment and when it is time to go home after treatment will also be made more promptly.

Good Hope managing director, Richard Parker, said: “This service is a step forward in further improving the quality of care that we provide to our patients.

“Opening this new Unit will ensure that patients referred by their GP and requiring emergency surgery will be provided with a safer and more prompt care, whilst relieving congestion in the Accident and Emergency department.”