Day Case Units

Surgical Day Case Unit / Day of Surgery Admission (DOSA)

The Day of Surgery Admission Unit is an integral part of the Theatre Division of Sunderland Royal Hospital and caters for approximately 20,000 patients per year.

All patients are admitted through the DOSA unit regardless of whether they are for overnight stay in a ward or for day case surgery. DOSA improves the overall patient experience by reducing the length of stay and avoiding unnecessary time in hospital, allowing the patient to fully recover in their own home following their procedure or anaesthetic.

Our aim is to:

•  Provide high quality care for our patients within a professional, caring, comfortable and friendly environment

The unit adjoins the main theatre complex, which is situated over two floors on C and D level, with a reception area on B Level. The reception is accessed via Entrance 9 at the rear of the Chester Wing of Sunderland Royal Hospital.

The admissions unit incorporates a reception area, which is supported by trained administration staff, and includes a comfortable seating area with space for wheelchairs. 

As seating is limited, patients will be advised that relatives cannot be routinely accommodated within the unit. However, where there is an identified need, facilities are provided within the unit for patients who need to be accompanied by relatives or carers.

Once patients have left the reception area, they will be accompanied up to the waiting rooms of either C or D Level of DOSA, depending on which surgery they are to receive.

Patients will then be admitted and prepared for theatre by our Nursing Team. They will also be seen by a Doctor and Anaesthetist, before being escorted to the admissions lounge to wait for their surgery. The admission lounges offer comfortable seating television and reading materials.

Following surgery, patients who require a longer period of recovery will be escorted to their allocated ward. Patients undergoing day case surgery procedures will return to DOSA and discharged home from there following the required recovery period.

Outline of the Department

The Nursing Team consists of Registered General Nurses and Health Care Assistants. Continuous training and professional development is undertaken to ensure our Nursing Team is equipped to deliver high quality, safe care to our patients.

Other information

• A dressing gown and slippers or soft shoes will be required as patients will walk to theatre if able
• Valuables should not be brought into DOSA and necklaces and body piercings should be removed prior to admission if possible
• Nail varnish should be removed from finger and toe nails as this hinders monitoring in theatres
• Relatives or carers are not permitted to stay on the unit as patients require sleep and a relaxed atmosphere to recover and aid a timely discharge. However, exceptions may be made at the discretion of the nurse in charge

Patients will not be allowed to leave DOSA following an anaesthetic unless family members or friends who have been designated to collect them have arrived at the unit.