Patient information during COVID-19
Patients can attend outpatient clinic appointments and planned procedures, but must come alone. Children or vulnerable adults can be accompanied by one other person wearing appropriate PPE.
About The Acute
Assessment Unit (AAU)
The AAU is a 25 bedded, mixed sex unit. We have 20 acute admissions beds and 5 Enhanced Care beds. We deliver care to patients who need cardiac monitoring and closer observation. We receive emergency admissions from the Emergency Department and GP’s, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Our team includes:
- Ward Sister, navy blue scrub uniform
- Staff Nurse, royal blue scrub uniform
- Health Care Assistant, light blue scrub uniform
- Consultants and doctors
- Allied Health Professionals, such as physiotherapists and pharmacists
Visiting times and information
Visiting times are limited on all wards between 2pm to 4pm, and 6pm to 8pm daily. Only 1 pre-arranged visitor per patient can be present at any one time.
Patients will be asked to give the names of relatives and friends who would wish to visit them. Each patient can name a maximum of 2 visitors only. Only those named visitors will be given access and only adults are allowed to visit at this time.
Visitors will receive pre-visit screening to:
- assess travel history and symptom checking
- confirm any previous known exposure to COVID-19
- arrange which ward / department they will be visiting
Visitors will need to:
- enter the hospital via the Gwyneth Huelin entrance
- sign in on entry to the ward or department
- maintain correct hand-hygiene techniques
- wear Protective Personal Equipment (PPE), which will be provided
These important measures are in place to keep people safe. We ask that visitors comply with the guidelines for their continued protection.
Parking
Parking is available in Patriotic Street car park.
Disabled facilities
The nearest parking areas for disabled drivers are in front of the General Hospital and Patriotic Street car park. There is one disabled toilet on the ward. Other disabled toilets are located at The Parade entrance and in Gwyneth Huelin Wing.
What to bring
On admission, you need to bring:
- any medications you’re currently taking
- loose casual clothes and night wear
- comfortable walking shoes
- necessary toiletries
As part of your care assessment, we encourage you to wash and dress as independently as possible.
Valuables
We recommend you leave all your valuables at home. We don't accept any responsibility for their loss or damage.
What to expect
Continuing care and discharge
Following your assessment a decision will be made to either:
- discharge you home
- continue observations and ongoing care for up to 48 hours
- transfer you to another ward
Flowers
Due to allergies, infection control issues and space, we ask that flowers are not brought on to the ward.
Meal times
Having a healthy balanced diet and good fluid intake is vital to your recovery from illness.
Our mealtimes are:
- breakfast 7.30am
- hot cooked lunch 12.00pm
- dinner 5.30pm
Let us know if you would like us, a relative or carer to assist you at mealtimes. We cater for special dietary requirements.
Mobile phones and Wi-Fi
You can use mobile phones and other electronic equipment on the ward, as long as they are used respectfully.
Wi-Fi is available:
- Username: HCS-VISITORS
- Password: Wellbeing
Ward rounds
We carry out daily multi-disciplinary ward rounds. Your nurse lets you know when your doctor is likely to see you. We can arrange for a nurse or doctor to speak to a family member by prior arrangement. We will discuss your discharge plan with you during ward rounds.
When we discharge you home
You will need someone to collect you when you’re discharged. Let us know if you need a medical certificate.
We will send you the details of any outpatient appointment follow ups you need in the post. Any medication you need is delivered to the ward and explained to you before we discharge you home.
We may refer you to the Rapid Response and Re-ablement Team or other services if required.
Contact us
We are available 24 hours a day, but If we’re with patients, we cannot always answer the phone straight away. We suggest routine calls are made after 10:30am and one person, nominated by the patient makes enquiries to the ward.
Patient confidentiality is essential. There are occasions when we're unable to share information. Information will not be disclosed over the phone.
Interpreting service
An interpreting service is available for languages including Portuguese and Polish. Contact us in advance so we can book this service for you. Call: +44 (0) 1534 442812
Your feedback
If you have any suggestions or comments about our service, we welcome your feedback.
Send us your feedback