AB196. 179. Acute surgical assessment unit—the evolving pathway for general surgical patients

Abstract

Background: Ireland has followed in the footsteps of Australia and the UK with the introduction of surgical assessment units. This year Galway University Hospital acute surgical assessment unit (ASAU) has successfully introduced a direct general practitioner referral pathway. This direct pathway allows senior decision makers to assess surgical patients with an acute surgical issue rapidly from their onset of symptoms. This efficient pathway aims to reduce unnecessary surgical admissions and ensure patients with an acute surgical issue do not experience unnecessary delays in the emergency department.