Both services opened to patients in December, with Minor Injuries welcoming its first attendees earlier in the month and SDEC opening on Monday 22 December 2025. Their introduction marks the second and final phase of the hospital’s emergency care redevelopment, following the opening of the Emergency Department (ED), Children’s Assessment Unit (CAU) and Acute Medical Unit (AMU) in January 2025.
SDEC now brings together medical and surgical pathways, supporting timely assessment, diagnosis and treatment without the need for admission. The Minor Injuries service benefits from an improved clinical environment located close to its previous setting beside the Emergency Department. Bringing all urgent and emergency care services together in one area of the site supports smoother patient flow and more efficient service delivery.
The new areas include a dedicated ‘fit to sit’ treatment space, patient bays, and purpose-built consultation and treatment rooms. Both SDEC and Minor Injuries have their own waiting rooms, complete with reception areas and calming artwork to enhance the patient experience.
Dr Kirsty Edmondson-Jones, Director of Infrastructure, said: “This redevelopment has transformed the places in which our teams deliver emergency care. These improvements not only support safer and more efficient patient flow but also ensure that our patients receive high-quality care in areas designed to meet today’s clinical standards.”
Located alongside the ED’s main entrance, the facilities allow clinical teams to triage and direct patients quickly to the most appropriate area. The wider redevelopment also accommodates the Emergency Department, resuscitation bays, a dedicated Children’s ED and the CAU, while the co-located AMU further supports patients requiring additional assessment before ward admission or specialist review.
Joanna Stedman, Divisional Nurse for Urgent and Emergency Care, said: “SDEC and Minor Injuries provide rapid assessment and treatment for a range of urgent conditions without the need for admission. Patients are triaged to the service based on their needs, with access through the Emergency Department entrance. The co-location of these services supports better patient flow and ensures people are seen in the most appropriate place for their care.”
With winter pressures building and forecasts predicting one of the most challenging flu seasons in recent years, residents are being encouraged to plan ahead and make informed choices when accessing care.
Many common illnesses can be managed safely at home. Keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet with items such as paracetamol, rehydration solutions and a basic first-aid kit, can help treat minor ailments including diarrhoea, indigestion or vomiting. Pharmacies can support with seasonal illnesses such as colds and flu, as well as common conditions like uncomplicated urinary tract infections, acute ear infections or shingles. NHS 111 online or by phone can provide advice if you’re unsure where to go, and a dedicated minor eye injuries service is also available; details are on the Trust’s website. For dental pain, residents should contact NHS 111.
Jac Crossland, Matron for Urgent and Emergency Care and AMU at Bassetlaw, said: “The festive period is traditionally very busy for emergency services. Simple steps such as planning repeat prescriptions early, using NHS 111 online for advice and keeping essential medicines at home can help prevent unnecessary visits to the Emergency Department. Being prepared means our teams can focus on those who need us most.”
The SDEC service is open 8am to 8pm daily, with the Minor Injuries service available 9am to 9pm, with last admission at 8pm at Bassetlaw Hospital. Please note that the Minor Injuries Unit at Montagu Hospital is open every day except Christmas Day (25 December) and can only treat patients one year old or over.
Further information about urgent and emergency care options, along with details of the Trust’s ongoing improvements to patient care environments, is available on the DBTH website: www.dbth.nhs.uk
