Historically, GPs requesting surgical opinion at Hairmyres Hospital would refer their patients to the on call surgeon. This would result in an admission into a hospital bed. Once admitted all assessment and treatment plans would be initiated. Predominantly, this would necessitate an overnight stay. Introducing a Surgical Assessment Care Unit to provide advanced nursing and medical assessment and treatment will reduce the need for admission, where appropriate.
Aim: To reduce surgical admissions for assessment by 20%, by August 2016.