Same Day Emergency Care Unit

Same Day Emergency Care Unit (SDEC) - medical 

The SDEC is located near to the Emergency Department at Hereford County Hospital.

• Our Same Day Emergency Care Unit works alongside the Emergency Department allowing specialist hospital staff to rapidly assess and diagnose patients whose condition can be treated without the need for an overnight stay in hospital. 
• It operates seven days a week.
• Patients are referred to the unit by Emergency Department staff or their GP for conditions such as chest problems, abdominal pain, and seizures.

Surgical Same Day Emergency Care (SSDEC)

The Surgical Same Day Emergency Care (SSDEC) is located near to our Emergency Department at Hereford County Hospital.  This is open during day time hours Monday to Sunday. 

Frailty Same Day Emergency Care Unit (FSDEC) 

Hereford County Hospital provides a Frailty Same Day Emergency Care Unit (FSDEC), located alongside the Emergency Department. FSDEC is designed to support older people living with frailty who attend hospital as an emergency.

The focus of FSDEC is on same-day assessment and care, with an emphasis on supporting patients to return home safely wherever possible. 

What FSDEC Provides

Patients attending FSDEC receive a comprehensive geriatric assessment delivered by a specialist multidisciplinary team. This may include medical assessment and review, appropriate investigations where needed, medication review, falls and functional assessment, advice and planning to support safe discharge. 

Supporting safe discharge

FSDEC prioritises timely and safe discharge on the same day when it is clinically appropriate. The team works closely with:

• Virtual Ward services
• Community healthcare teams
• Community hospitals
• Primary care and social care partners 

Key Points for Patients and Families

• FSDEC is focused on same-day emergency care, looking at the reason you have attended the Emergency Department as well as any ongoing health issues that may be affecting your wellbeing and independence.
• Most patients are able to return home on the same day, often following a review of their home circumstances, medications, mobility, and other medical conditions. Where appropriate, the team will provide advice and education to help support recovery and reduce the risk of further problems.
• Care and follow-up are arranged based on individual clinical need. This may include advice for self-care, liaison with your GP, or referral to community or hospital services when appropriate.
• Some patients may require admission for ongoing treatment or further assessment. If this is the case, the team will discuss this with you and your family and ensure that admission to the most appropriate ward or service is arranged promptly.

Opening hours

• Open 24 hours

Location and directions (from nearest hospital entrance)

• Through main entrance, turn left onto main corridor and it is located on the left after about 200 metres.

Nearest car park

Multiple car parks available on site.