Urology unit celebrates one year of providing great care for patients
Since opening its doors to patients last year, the Chestnut Urological Investigation Unit has reduced waiting times and improved the experience for patients.
This unit is vital in the diagnosis and treatment of urological disease including bladder, kidney, testicular, penile and prostate cancer.
The unit introduced the Urology Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) service in April 2024, which has provided care to over 400 patients, including 336 emergency cases (as of December 2024).
Emma McCurdy, Service Line Cluster Manager for Urology said: "We are thrilled with the success of the Urology SDEC and the positive impact it has had on patients and hospital resources. By providing high-quality, same-day care, we have improved patient outcomes and supported our emergency services.
“We are now exploring opportunities to expand SDEC pathways further within Urology to reduce hospital admissions and deliver even greater benefits for our patients."
Meet the team at the Chestnut Urological Investigation Unit
The service has significantly improved patient pathways, with 104 patients referred via the Emergency Department and many others have been directed from NHS 111, GPs, community teams, and the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT).
One of the key achievements of the Urology SDEC is its role in preventing unnecessary Emergency Department visits, particularly for oncology patients and others requiring specialist care. By providing efficient same-day treatment, the service has ensured that fewer than 20 patients have needed hospital admission, with the vast majority receiving care and being discharged home on the same day.
Additionally, the Urology SDEC has enabled earlier discharges for patients awaiting trials without catheter post-surgery, streamlining their recovery process and reducing inpatient stays.
The Urology team works closely with the Chestnut Appeal, a charity founded at Derriford Hospital. The charity raises funds for the very latest equipment and comforts for patients, beyond what is offered on the NHS, making the unit the very best it can be. This includes funding for training a psychosexual counsellor, offering a dedicated service for male continence, funding pioneering equipment and technology to be housed in this new space. Lesley-Ann Simpson, Chief Executive Officer at the Chestnut Appeal said: “We’re delighted this purpose-built unit has achieved so much in its first year of opening and has contributed to a gold standard in care in the South West for those needing urology services.”
