Appointments

How to get an appointment

You might be referred to the unit from:

• your GP
• the emergency department (A&E)
• the urgent care centre (UCC)
• community services
• another department in the hospital

During your appointment

You'll be given a named nurse when you arrive at the unit. If you have any questions or problems, please talk to your named nurse. If they cannot help, you can ask to speak to the nurse in charge that day.

You'll be diagnosed and treated on the unit. You can usually go home on the same day. Sometimes, people need to stay overnight.

The aim is for you:

• to start any treatment you need and get you home as quickly and safely as possible
• to avoid needing to stay overnight

We'll always try to keep the amount of time you spend in the unit to a minimum. Because you are likely to be having a series of tests, you might be here for some time. Staying on the unit for a longer time does not mean you'll need to stay overnight.

Hot drinks are available. Please check with your named nurse to make sure there are no medical reasons why you must not drink.

Tests

The tests you have will depend on your condition. However, most people will have:

• blood pressure
• heart rate
• heart tracing (electrocardiograph or ECG)
• finger prick test for blood sugar
• a pee (urine) sample
• blood samples

It's likely that a trained nurse will start these tests as part of your assessment before you see a doctor.

You might also need more specific tests, such as an:

• X-ray
• CT scan
• ultrasound scan

Once we have the results from your tests, we'll create a treatment plan for you. Treatment will usually start on the unit. Plans will be made for you to continue the treatment at home, or in the community.

After your appointment

Once your care in the ambulatory emergency care unit is complete, most people can go home.

We'll let you know the next steps for your treatment before you leave hospital. This might include coming back to the unit for more treatment or a review in the future.