Welcome to Ambulatory Care
What is Ambulatory care?
Ambulatory Care Services at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, has the largest single Day Surgery Unit in Europe and admits 90-110 patients per day. Ambulatory Care comprises 81 beds/trolleys and treats adult patients who are undergoing planned surgery. The unit covers a wide range of surgical, medical and diagnostic procedures.
What happens when I arrive at Ambulatory Care?
Yo will be greeted, orientated and accompanied to your bed/trolley space by a member of the team. One relative can stay at your bedside with you throughout your episode of care. A nurse will complete the following:
– Confirm your identity, name address, date of birth and GP address.
– Complete an admission booklet obtaining your medical history.
– Record a full set observation including: blood pressure, heart rate and temperature.
– Record height and weight.
– Complete a blood glucose test for diabetes which involves a fingerprick test to obtain a small blood sample.
– Measure your ankles for a pair of anti-embolism stockings (stockings that reduce the risk of blood clots) if required.
– Provide a theatre grown for you to change into before your procedure. Please remove all clothes and be aware that the grown ties up at the back. Cotton pants can be left on but bras and synthetic underpants must be removed.
What time will I go to theatre?
A theatre order list is planned in advance for each day and a nurse will admit you in accordance of the list, not in order of arrival at the unit. The nurses can advise you where you are currently on the list: however, this is subject to change depending on circumstances out of the department’s control such as emergencies, patients not attending or other complications. Your surgeon and anesthetist can advise you on theatre time and any other questions you might have regarding your surgery/procedure.
What happens after my surgery/procedure?
– On return to the unit, a nurse will record your observations regularly.
– You will be given instructions specific to your care such as bed rest and how long you will be monitored for post procedure.
– You will be offered refreshments and snacks when appropriate.
– If you have any specific dietary requirements eg. Gluten Free – please notify staff as soon as possible.
– The nurse will prepare your discharge once your specific discharge criterion is complete and its safe for you to go home.
– You will receive a discharge letter and advice sheets once you are fit for discharge. you might be prescribed medication to take home; this will either need to be collected from the Outpatient Pharmacy or supplied to you from the Ambulatory Care Unit.
– On discharge, you will be asked to complete a patient experience survey form. Could you please complete this form as it assists us to deliver the best in care?
If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to ask a member of staff, who will be more than happy to assist.
The Trust provides free monthly health talks on a variety of medical conditions and treatments. For more information, visit www.uhb.nhs.uk/helath-talks.htm or call 0121 371 4323.
AMBULATORY CARE
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham
Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston
Birmingham B15 2GW