Acute Medical Assessment Unit (A.M.A.U)

Welcome to the Acute Medical Assessment Unit

What to expect

On your arrival, you will be greeted by our ward clerk who will admit you to the unit and will also inform the co-ordinating nurse of your arrival to the AMAU. You may be asked to take a seat in the waiting area until a member of the nursing staff becomes available to assess you.

When your assessment commences, a nurse will record your temperature, pulse, blood pressure and respirations). You will more than likely, have a blood test. In some cases, it may be necessary to insert a cannula which is a small plastic tube into your vein for administration or medications and fluids. It is sometimes necessary to conduct an electrocardiogram, a painless test that records the heart’s electrical activity. Some patients who come to this unit will be screened for MRSA.

Once this preliminary assessment is performed, you may be required to return to your seat in the waiting area for your assessment by the doctor to further review your condition. Your assessment may entail X-rays, scans and other tests and procedures. Once the results of theses tests and procedures are available, the Consultant will review them and decide on a plan for you.

We recognise that coming into hospital can be worrying for you and your family. We aim to make your experience a positive one.

We operate a system where the most seriously ill patients are seen first. Sometimes, patients arrive on this unit with life threatening conditions and illnesses which will need immediate medical treatment. This means that patients who have less serious conditions may have to wait longer. Your nurse will do their best to let you know how long you may have to wait but please remember waiting times within AMAU is unpredictable.

Please tell us:

• If your condition worsens while waiting
• If you are diabetic
• If you experiencing chest pain or other pain
• If you have any concerns

Thank you for your patience!

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