Same day emergency care

The service is for patients arriving in hospital after being referred by their GP/ED and is felt that they need rapid medical assessment but can be managed safely as an outpatient.

Patients are assessed promptly on arrival and appropriate tests are arranged to help determine if a patient is suitable to be managed as an outpatient. Usually, we need bloods and X-Rays/scans to investigate a problem. The average time spent with us is 2 to 4 hours. 

A wide variety of conditions, including headaches, chest pain, infections, pulmonary embolus and diabetes can be diagnosed and treated in this way.

Patients will receive rapid medical assessment and treatment and, in most cases, will be sent home to recover. This helps to improve a patient's experience and avoid unnecessary admissions.

The unit offers a range of procedures and treatment to patients. The following is an example:

• Investigations e.g. CT scans, USS, x-rays, investigation results or repeat bloods.
• IV antibiotics and reviews.
• Wound reviews or dressings.
• Removal of drains or catheters.
• Administration of infusions e.g. Iron, IVIG.
• Education of patients for self-management at home.
• Ascitic drains, pleural taps, lumbar punctures and biopsies.

Eastern services

Royal Devon and Exeter (Wonford)

Same Day Emergency Care, Medical Out-Patient Department, level 1, template D, RD&E Wonford, Barrack Rd, Exeter EX2 5DW. 

Northern Services

Same Day Emergency Care is co-located with the Medical Assessment Unit

North Devon District Hospital

Raleigh Park
Barnstaple
Devon
EX31 4JB

To make a referral to SDEC or speak to a member of the team, please ring the admissions coordinator via our main switchboard numbers. Access for GPs is through the call-taker on both sites.

Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford)

Main switchboard on 01392 411611

North Devon District Hospital 

Main switchboard on 01271 322577