To contact BHOC Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) for advice - 24
hours a day 7 days a week, please phone 0117 342 2011.
1. What is the "BHOC Same Day Emergency Care"
unit?
It is an emergency assessment unit for adult oncology and
haematology (malignant and non-malignant) patients for in the event
they develop complications or side effects of their disease or
treatment. This service has a team, including Advanced Nurse
Practitioners, Doctors and Staff Nurses. This service is
specifically aimed at patients who are known to the BHOC and
receiving treatment there.
2. How big is it?
The department has 7 assessment spaces. This includes a mixed
bay of 3 chairs and 4 side rooms.
3. What should I expect?
You will be assessed in order, depending on how serious your
condition is, either by the Advanced Nurse Practitioner or a
doctor. A decision will be made within 4 hours of your arrival to
decide whether you need to stay to be admitted into hospital for
treatment or if you can go home.
What will happen?
You are likely to:
- be asked about your treatment you have had so far for
cancer
- be asked about your current symptoms
- have your blood pressure, pulse, breathing rate and temperature
taken.
What might happen?
You may:
- have a blood sample or x-ray taken
- have a cannula inserted into the back of your hand / your arm
so that we could give medications or fluids into your vein if
needed.
These are common investigations and should not cause you
concern.
If it is decided that you need to be admitted to the hospital
then the BHOC SDEC Team will try and admit you to an appropriate
ward within the Oncology centre.
4. How long will it take?
Your priority to see the specialist practitioner will be based
on your initial assessment and not necessarily the time you
arrived.
We aim to complete your stay in this unit within four hours, and
provide a clean safe environment with high standards of
care.
5. Can my relative(s) stay with me?
It is anticipated that patients will arrive at BHOC SDEC with a
relative/friend. There is a waiting room close by where your
accompanying relative may be asked to wait whilst you are being
assessed.
We aim to complete your stay in this unit within four
hours, and provide a clean safe environment with high standards of
care.