Ambulatory Care Unit (ACU)
What is Ambulatory Care?
Ambulatory Care is a patient focused service where some conditions
may be treated without the need for an overnight stay in hospital.
You will receive the same medical treatment you would previously
have received as an inpatient. The aim of this service is to
provide you with the care required to treat your condition during
scheduled Ambulatory Care opening hours. You will be able to return
home and if further treatment is required you will be asked to
return to the unit to receive this.
What advantages does Ambulatory Care offer
me?
The Ambulatory Care Unit provides a new way of ensuring that all
our patients receive timely assessment. You will have access to a
range of staff which will include medical, nursing and therapy
staff. Despite not being admitted as an inpatient you will still
have access to the same calibre of medical and nursing care that
you would experience on one of our wards. If appropriate, you will
be able return to your own home even if further treatment is
required on another day.
What can I expect?
On arrival you will be booked in and seated in the Ambulatory
Care waiting area. You will then have an initial assessment
by a nurse or be reviewed by an Acute Care Consultant. You may have
a range of investigations and treatments arranged. The ultimate aim
of which is to allow you to return home safely. We strive to
deliver a compassionate, safe and reliable service which maintains
your privacy and dignity at all times. During your visit we will
ask you to fill in a short questionnaire to tell us about your
experience of this service. Please help us to continue improving
and developing the care we provide by giving us this valuable
feedback. Please do not hesitate to alert a member of staff if you
have any concerns, questions or requests.
Will I need to return to the hospital once I am sent
home?
You may be asked to attend a review clinic within Ambulatory
Care or return to another hospital department for further
investigations. An appointment for this will be given to you before
you leave. If you are unable to keep this appointment please
telephone us on01244 364141 so that we can rearrange this for
you.
What do I do if I feel unwell once I have returned
home?
Please call the telephone number above between 11 a.m. and 7
p.m. if you are concerned in any way about your condition once you
return home. If outside of these hours please contact your
Out of Hours GP service.
Click here to view our patient information leaflet
(200KB)