A new outpatient service that will provide a better experience for patients with urological emergencies has been officially opened at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals.
The Urology Assessment Unit, which provides care to patients referred with urgent needs, has been relocated to a newly refurbished outpatient department to provide an enhanced service for patients in a more appropriate setting.
The concept for the new unit, which was previously based on an inpatient ward, was developed following a successful trial of relocating the service to an outpatient area.
The trial highlighted a number of benefits, which include an improved environment for patients, reduced length of stay, faster access to necessary tests and treatment, decreased admissions and the prevention of further unnecessary hospital visits.
'We are delighted to open the Urology Assessment Unit in the new outpatient setting,' said Charlotte Naylor, Senior Sister in the new Urology Assessment Unit. 'Many patients will now experience a “one stop shop” when attending as unnecessary admissions and further appointments are prevented.'
Tony Pedder, Chairman of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: 'The new Urology Assessment Unit is an example of an on-going programme of work we are doing, not just to upgrade outpatient facilities across the Trust, but also about looking at how we design and deliver outpatient appointments.
'This development is a fantastic example of how we can provide patients with a really high quality outpatient’s experience.'
