Surgical Ambulatory Area (SAA) within the Surgical Decisions Unit (SDU)

This leaflet will give you information about the Surgical Ambulatory Area (SAA), which is part of the Surgical Decisions Unit (SDU). There will be information about what to expect, and who to contact once you leave the unit.

Going to the Surgical Ambulatory Area

When you get to the SAA you will need to be ‘checked in’ by a member of staff, you can do this by going to the reception desk. You will be asked to sit in the waiting area where you wait to be called in for an initial assessment.

A nurse will take you away to a room where you will be asked questions about why you have come into the department. They will then check your blood pressure, heart pulse, and oxygen levels as part of the initial assessment. Sometimes a blood sample will be taken for testing.

Once this information has been collected, we will ask you to sit back in the waiting area while we wait for the results of your blood tests (if you had any).

The waiting times will vary from person to person. The department receives patients from different areas within the Hospital that also require assessments. Depending on what you are in for, Doctors from different specialty areas of the hospital will come to assist you. However, these Doctors will always prioritise emergency situations/patients.

We know that this could cause concerns for you, and even make your families and friends worried. Our aim is to attend to you as soon as possible and help.

We kindly request that you are also considerate and respectful to the staff working in the area.

Assessment and Investigations (if required)

A senior doctor will look at your case and do a full assessment. To do this, a plan for your treatment will be created.

If you need a scan, the scanning team will book this. Scans are organise on a need basis and so will prioritise requests that are more urgent.

We aim to see patients as quickly as possible but sometimes our waiting times can increase, if our senior doctors are needed elsewhere in an emergency. When this occurs, the staff will try to let you know about the delays.

If the Doctor thinks that you need to be admitted to one of our wards this will be arranged.

What can I do to help myself?

When you come in to the hospital, please make sure to bring any information or letters about your condition. This will ensure staff are aware of why you have been asked to come in, any treatments you are booked for, and which medical staff are involved in your care.

You should report any new pain, discomfort or other symptoms as soon as possible when in the department.

If you have any problems or questions, need pain relief or require help, then please speak with the staff within the triage area or our Patient Flow Facilitator (who welcomed you at the desk) and they will be happy to help you.

If you require taking any medication while waiting to be seen, please kindly inform the staff in the department so that they are aware.

Make sure you are wearing slippers or shoes when moving around as your socks/tights can be very slippery.

Before you leave the department…

When your treatment within the Surgical Assessment Area is finished and you are ready to return home, please make sure that you are aware of any follow-up appointments that might have been organised. This could include repeat blood tests or scans at your GP or in the Outpatient Department.

We recognise that when you leave the department you may have worries, concerns or need follow up advice. If you would like to speak to someone you can ring SDU who are available 24/7. This service is available up to one-week post discharge.

University Hospital of North Tees
Surgical Decisions Unit
Telephone: 01642 624 566
24 hours, 7 days a week

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Team is here to try to resolve your concerns. The office is based at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. Our contact details are:

Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617

Patient, Public and People with Lived Experience

We are looking for patients to share their experiences of healthcare and to join our Involvement Bank. Working with the patients, carers, families and the general population we support in making decisions about their care can lead to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction and a better overall experience. We want to listen and work with you in shaping the future of your healthcare services. To find out more about the Involvement Bank go to our website or contact us at:

Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
Email: [email protected]

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team at:

Email: [email protected]