Leaflet Details
| Title | Emergency Surgery Ambulatory Care (ESAC) |
| Department | General Surgery |
| Author(s) | Ali Robinson |
| Review Date | December 2019 |
| Next Review | December 2021 |
| Download | A5 Booklet PDF |
| Accessibility Options | Click on the Recite Me button to show our accessibility resources |
Patient Information
What is an ESAC unit?
An Emergency Surgery Ambulatory Care (ESAC) unit is designed to provide rapid access to surgery for patients requiring an operation. ESAC also runs hot clinics for follow up urgent surgical consultations.
ESAC’s aim is to expedite your route to emergency theatre, through a dedicated unit. You will be allowed you to go home before your procedure, instead of staying in hospital. This is better for you as you spend less time in hospital, and better for us, as our doctors and nurses can prioritize the sickest patients.
What do I need to do before I arrive?
If you are having an operation, before you visit us, you must not eat or drink from midnight on the day of your surgery.
Please bring all medication you currently take in with you and we request you leave any valuables at home.
You will need to arrange for someone to take you home and be with you after your operation as you cannot be left alone after the anesthetic.
Why am I here?
You are in ESAC because it has been decided you need to be seen by a senior doctor or require urgent surgery.
What happens in ESAC?
First you must register with reception to notify us you are here.
If you are here for an operation, you will then be asked to put on a gown and a nurse will do some simple checks such as blood pressure; temperature; blood sugar; pulse; and blood tests.
Once the tests are completed and it has been checked you are okay for surgery, a doctor will come and see you to discuss the operation and to ask for your consent.
Next you will be taken to theatre for your operation and then be brought back to ESAC from recovery. You will now be allowed to eat and drink and if you are feeling well enough, you will be discharged home after a doctor has checked this is okay.
We expect the vast majority of patients from ESAC to go home the same day but if you do not feel well enough, please speak to one of the doctors or nurses.
If you are here for a hot clinic, after registering at reception you will be asked to take a seat in the waiting area before being called into a room to be seen by a senior doctor.
Depending on why you have been referred, the doctor will examine you and ask some questions. They may request further tests such blood tests or an ultrasound.
The doctor will also decide what the best plan is for your care. This may include a further appointment in an outpatient environment; a referral to a specialist service; or request you have an operation. All of these options will be explained to you by the doctor.
Discharge
When you are discharged from ESAC after an operation you will be provided with a letter for your GP and a list of what medication you may require. You will also be given advice on how best to care for your wounds.
If you experience any non-urgent issues after your operation, please call one of our nurses on 01932 726983. For all urgent issues ring 999 or attend an Accident and Emergency Department.
Family and Friends
We understand you may wish to be supported by a friend, family member or carer whilst you are with us but respectfully ask the numbers who accompany you is limited. If you are having an operation, the person with you may be asked to wait in the café or elsewhere whilst you are in theatre but they can be with you before and afterwards.
If you are here for a hot clinic, the person with you may be allowed to come with you to see the doctor. The doctor or nurse will let you know if this is not the case.
ESAC Contact Information
Opening hours: Monday - Friday, 07:00 - 20:00.
Tel: 01932 726983 during opening hours.
Alternatively outside of these hours, please contact the Surgical Assessment Unit (SAU) for advice or any issues, on 01932 723941.
Surgical Matron: Mary Mault
ESAC ward manager: Carmelita Antonio
