A specialist unit at the Ulster Hospital is helping cancer patients across the South Eastern Trust avoid unnecessary visits to the emergency department. The Same Day Emergency Care Unit, located within the Macmillan Unit, cares for oncology and haematology patients who experience complications from their illness or treatment.

The unit operates on weekdays from 8am to 6pm, staffed by doctors, nurses, and support workers. Patients receive a dedicated telephone helpline at the start of their treatment. Experienced nurses assess calls, providing advice or arranging same-day appointments when needed.

If a patient must be seen, they attend the unit where a doctor evaluates them. Many receive treatment and return home the same day, while those requiring admission are transferred to hospital care. The team follows evidence-based pathways for conditions such as Neutropenic Sepsis to provide prompt treatment.

Deputy Sister Caroline Johnston explained that the service was designed to deliver faster access to specialist care while protecting immunocompromised patients from infections often encountered in emergency departments. She noted that continuity of care is a key benefit, as staff know the patients and their medical histories.

Sarah Milliken, who is receiving treatment for leukaemia, described the impact of the service. She said that after infections required her to restart treatment twice, the team provided exceptional support. She emphasized the reassurance of having a direct line to professionals who understand her condition, which also eases her family’s worries.

The Ulster Hospital serves a wide area across Northern Ireland, with the South Eastern Trust covering parts of County Down and surrounding regions. The Macmillan Unit’s initiative addresses both patient welfare and wider health service pressures by reducing emergency department attendances.

Feedback from users has been very positive, with patients valuing the quick access to specialist advice. The unit reports that many potential emergency visits are avoided each week, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted, same-day care models in managing long-term conditions.