Clinic 5 SDEC (Ambulatory Care)

We offer a variety of medical procedures that allow patients to return home after receiving care in the clinic, allowing patients more flexibility than the inpatient model.

The clinic also hosts specialist clinics (known as hot clinics) for different medical conditions. These clinics are designed to deliver rapid access to care for patients with urgent health concerns.

Services include:

• Intravenous antibiotic administration
• Blood transfusion or iron infusion
• Electrolyte replacement therapy
• Adrenal Insufficiency Test (known as Short Synacthen Test)
• Wound dressing
• Facilitate scans and imaging
• Blood testing
• Removal of extra fluids around the chest (Chest drain)
• Investigation and treatment of blood clot formed in the deep veins (Deep Vein Thrombosis)
• Investigation and management of Transient Ischemic Attack (also called Mini-stroke)
• Assessment for unexplained fall, collapse or brief loss of consciousness (medically called as Syncope)
• Rapid Access to DME Consultants for Assessment/Review (RADAR)
• Facilitated Early Discharge Service (FEDS)
• Urgent specialist hot clinics

Our philosophy

We aim to provide a safe, efficient, and caring service as well as providing a high-quality standard of nursing care for all our patients. We will ensure privacy, dignity, confidentiality, and patient’s autonomy towards treatment are respected and maintained at all times. We will endeavour to provide a safe, caring, and supportive environment for relatives/carers and we will attempt to ensure that you, your family, and your carers are kept up-to-date with your care and management.

This information is to help you understand how Clinic 5 SDEC works and what may happen during your stay with us.

Why have I been asked to come here?

You have been asked to come here because you have a set of symptoms which we believe can best be investigated, diagnosed, and treated in Clinic 5. You may be in the unit for several hours, but we strive to complete as many of your investigations as possible within the same visit.

Admission into hospital may of course be advised if you develop new symptoms, or if we feel that your condition requires closer monitoring.

Waiting times

The average length of time you will spend in the unit is four (4) hours depending on what investigation and/or treatment you need. Some investigations may extend your appointment and potentially delay your medical review. Every effort is made to ensure that you are seen, treated, and discharged in a timely manner.

What will happen next?

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by our receptionist and your details will be checked. An identification wristband will be provided and we ask that you wear them throughout your appointment.

A member of nursing staff will commence their initial assessments. Some tests will be carried out prior to seeing a doctor and these may include but are not limited to:

• Blood pressure, pulse, and temperature
• Heart tracing
• Finger prick test for blood sugar
• Urine sample
• Chest x-ray
• Blood sample taken from a needle inserted into a vein in your arm
• CT (computed tomography) scan
• Ultrasound scan

Some of these tests, for example a CT-scan, x-ray, or an ultrasound, will require you to leave the department and return after the test has been completed. If you are comfortable walking, our receptionist can give you directions or a map of the hospital to help you find your way, or one of our staff members can escort you there.

Once you have had your tests, you will see the doctor. The doctor will ask you further questions about your health and will perform an examination. At the end of that process, you will be informed of your diagnosis and any further test that may be required. When needed, a prescription will be written which can be collected from the onsite outpatient pharmacy.

Although we expect that most patients will go home, there will be some occasions where we suggest you stay in hospital for further tests, monitoring, or treatment. Please always feel free to ask any member of staff questions if you are unsure at any point during your visit. Sometimes it can be helpful to jot questions down before you see the doctor – pens and papers are available at the reception. Your GP will be sent a doctor’s letter summarising your attendance.

What can I do if I become worried about my condition?

If at any point you are concerned about your condition when you have left the hospital, please contact your GP in the first instance, he or she will liaise with the hospital if further investigation or treatment is required.

MyChart

We would encourage you to sign up for MyChart. This is the electronic patient portal at Cambridge University Hospitals that enables patients to securely access parts of their health record held within the hospital’s electronic patient record system (Epic). It is available via your home computer or mobile device.

More information is available on the MyChart webpage.

Other information

Patient Safety

Safety is our primary concern. We request that everyone uses the alcohol hand gel provided before entering the unit to minimise the spread of infection. As space is limited within the unit area, we would be grateful if only one (1) person accompanies you when you come for your appointment. Unfortunately, there is no provision on this unit to allow for visitors.

Mobile Phones

For the comfort of other patients, we politely request that mobile phones are switched to silent mode or off whilst you are on the unit.

Children

If you are unable to arrange childcare, please ensure there is someone else with you who can look after them if you need to undergo investigations. In the interests of children’s safety, we ask that you do not allow them to sit or play on the floor. If this happens, children should wash their hands immediately.

Privacy and dignity

Visitors are asked to respect patient’s privacy and dignity at all times. This might include visitors being asked to leave patient areas at certain times. Staff will always explain why, if such requests have been made.

Food and drink

Refreshments for friends and family are available in the Concourse or Outpatients Café. Cold drinks are available at all times in our waiting room.

Transport

We ask that you arrange your own transport home whenever possible.

Feedback

We value both positive and negative feedback and suggestions on the service that we offer. If you can think of a way in which we could improve things, please do not hesitate to tell us. If you are unhappy about any aspect of your care, or the environment of the unit, please speak with the nurse in charge. We also have Patient Satisfaction Survey questionnaires available in the unit and we encourage you to fill them out where possible before you go home.

If you do not feel able to raise an issue with the staff, there is a dedicated Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) situated next to the front entrance in the main hospital reception should you wish to speak with one of their staff members. You can also contact them on 01223 216756 or email PALS.