Use these tools to help set up different components of the high volume short stay (HVSS) surgical unit.
Implementation checklist
This is a checklist to complete when working through the steps to set up a HVSS surgical unit.
Implementation checklist (PDF 304.3 KB)
Example admission criteria
Eligibility for admission to the HVSS surgical unit includes:
- The planned procedure on the Request for Admissions (RFA) form is on the local list of suitable procedures for the HVSS model.
- The expected length of stay for the procedure is less than 72 hours or three days.
- The recommended surgical procedure has a predictable post-operative course.
- The patient has had a pre-admission assessment, either by phone, telehealth service or in person.
Suggested business rules
- HVSS theatres and lists are designated for HVSS patients only.
- HVSS activity may occur in non-HVSS theatres, where capacity allows.
- HVSS theatre lists may draw cases from a number of hospitals within a local health district (LHD), and outside the LHD, by means of mutual agreement between clinical directors of surgery and LHD management.
- HVSS theatres operate five days a week: Monday to Friday.
- HVSS beds will be available six days a week: Monday to Saturday.
- Procedures suitable for management within the HVSS model will be documented.
- Patients suitable for HVSS surgical model are identified at the point of RFA review, based on procedure and expected length of stay.
Recommended procedures
To determine procedures for high volume short stay (HVSS) surgery admission, refer to Procedures Suitable for Day Only or Extended Day Only Surgical Admission within the resources for Same Day Surgery Admission Model.
Roles and responsibilities
Prepare paperwork for the admission, transfer and discharge of patients.
Update the Patient Administration Systems.
Preoperative
Advise the patient of their expected care journey.
Prepare patients for their surgical procedure. Consider local operational policies and clinical pathways.
Escort patients to the operating theatre. Conduct handover to theatre staff.
Intraoperative
Care for the patient during anaesthesia, surgical intervention and throughout Stage 1 of recovery.
Postoperative
Provide patient care for Stage 2 recovery.
Deliver patient care within ward areas in line with clinical protocols.
Assess need for allied health intervention.
Prepare patient for discharge. Provide written and verbal information and complete the discharge checklist.
Coordinate service delivery and day-to-day operation of the unit, including:
- leadership, coordination, management, training and clinical supervision of nursing and support staff
- liaising with pre-admission, admission, theatres and patient flow teams about access to beds
- encouraging team collaboration.
In partnership with the unit director, contribute to strategic management of the unit through:
- planning and monitoring services and environmental safety to ensure optimal performance and patient outcomes
- reviewing trends in demand and capacity to manage current and future workload
- developing, reviewing and monitoring clinical protocols
- establishing and maintaining processes to support practice improvements.
Liaise with nursing, medical and surgical specialty staff to promote the use of clinical protocols.
Participate in business management activities. This is in line with NSW Health, local health district and organisational requirements.
Responsible for management of service delivery and operational performance of the unit.
In partnership with the nursing unit manager, contributes to the strategic management of the unit through:
- planning and monitoring services and environmental safety to ensure optimal performance and patient outcomes
- reviewing trends in demand and capacity to manage current and future workload
- developing, reviewing and monitoring clinical protocols.
Supervise compliance of medical staff with clinical procedures and operational policies. Monitor and manage non-compliance and adverse events or outcomes.
Participate in business management activities. This is in line with NSW Health, local health district and organisational requirements.
Monitor unit performance to meet benchmarks and key performance indicators. Implement improvement strategies where required.