SDEC

SDEC is the provision of same day care for emergency patients who would otherwise be admitted to hospital.

Under this care model, patients presenting at hospital with relevant conditions can be rapidly assessed, diagnosed and treated without being admitted to a ward, and if clinically safe to do so, will go home the same day their care is provided.

The national SDEC model builds on previous improvement work in ambulatory emergency care (AEC) services across the NHS, with the aim of providing a consistent approach to patient pathways.

The short animation below from NHS England is designed to explain the role of SDEC, where it fits within the urgent and emergency care system and the benefits it provides to both staff and patients.