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)