We’ve opened a new Surgical Assessment Unit at Queen’s Hospital, which has already helped over 80 patients in just two weeks. (Pictured above are members of the team on the unit.)

The unit was opened on Wednesday 27 December, ready for the busiest time of the year across the NHS. It’s there to help surgical patients get the treatment they need more quickly while reducing the number of patients in A&E.

It was funded thanks to £3m from the government’s transformation fund, following our successful bid.

Patients who may need surgical intervention, such as those experiencing abdominal pain, with an abscess, or needing a catheter change, can be referred straight to the unit, reducing the time they spend in A&E.

It has nine trolley spaces and two chair for patients who are ‘fit to sit’. There is also a treatment room, reception and staff area. Patients can spend anything from a couple of hours to 12, and don’t usually need to stay overnight.

Sandra Mahoney, head of nursing for surgery, said: “To have seen over 80 patients in less than two weeks is a phenomenal amount. It’s already helping to reduce the volume of patients in A&E, lessen delays for patients needing surgery and avoid unnecessary hospital stays.”

Among those benefiting from the new unit is Kenneth Hovell (pictured below), the 81-year-old spent time there on Monday 8 January after attending A&E with urinary problems.

He said: “The staff have been really nice and it’s a much calmer environment than A&E. I’ve had some tests and checks here and it’s all very organised.”