The same day admissions unit for elective surgery: a case study

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the activity of a purpose‐built elective surgery unit in a busy district general hospital and the patient journey associated with same day admission to the elective surgery unit.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes the layout of the elective surgery unit in a busy district general hospital and the associated patient journey. Early challenges are identified and potential cost savings calculated.

Findings

The potential for cost savings in the NHS with purpose‐built units for elective surgery are immense.

Originality/value

An elective surgery unit has not been described in detail before. Apart from its value to the NHS, hospitals in developing countries can benefit from knowing about the early challenges, described in the paper, that were faced.

Citation

Vijay, V., Kazzaz, S. and Refson, J. (2008), "The same day admissions unit for elective surgery: a case study", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 21 No. 4, pp. 374-379. https://doi.org/10.1108/09526860810880171