Acute Assessment Unit (AAU)
What we do
The Acute Assessment Unit opened in 2010 to provide rapid assessment, diagnosis and treatment of patients with urgent medical conditions. It also enables patients with acute conditions to be closely observed by an expert multi-professional team, reducing the pressure on A&E. More than 40% of patients will complete their care within the AAU, thus maintaining continuity of care for many, and promoting specialty-based care for those requiring longer hospital admissions. Patients admitted to the unit will be seen by a consultant within 12 hours—the majority much sooner.
The unit operates 24/7 and accepts patients from A&E and consultant clinics. The 54-bed unit incorporates 36 inpatient beds, 9 acute enhanced care beds and a 10-trolley bed assessment area.
The AAU is staffed by a dedicated multi-professional team of doctors, nurses, physician associates, therapists, pharmacists and other allied health professionals so patients can access the most appropriate treatment as quickly as possible.
The unit also facilitates pre-registration training for nursing, physician associate and medical students.
Protected Mealtimes
We proudly endorse protected mealtimes. These occur between the hours of 8-9am, 12:30-1:30pm and 6-7pm.
We are dedicated to ensuring a quiet and relaxed atmosphere for patients and reducing any non-urgent activities during these times.
Visitors are encouraged to stay to support and assist during these hours and we ask you kindly hold any non-urgent questions for staff until after mealtimes.
Protected mealtimes may differ slightly from other areas in the hospital due to the nature of the unit and the need for continuous assessment and transfer. Therefore when urgent procedures, scans or transfers are required there may be interruptions, however AAU still delivers the ethos of Protected Mealtimes.
Patient Property
We understand that being admitted to hospital can be stressful, and we aim to make patients as comfortable and safe as possible.
To help us protect your belongings, we ask that patients bring essential items only with them. We encourage patients/relatives to take any valuables home with them or hand them to our staff for safekeeping. Please remember that the Trust cannot accept liability for any loss or damage to personal property unless it has been handed over for safekeeping. By working together, we can ensure your belongings are secure, allowing you to focus on your health and recovery.
Visiting times
Daily from 10am–9pm at the discretion of the senior nurses. Please note: Children under the age of 12 are not permitted on the AAU.
Our management team
- Dr Hannah Skene (Service Director, Acute Medicine)
- Dr Sanjay Krishnamoorthy (Clinical Director, Emergency Services)
- Prof Kevin Shotliff (Divisional Medical Director)
- Rebecca Jerman (Matron)
- Alison Bawden (Senior Sister)
- Molly Lock (Senior Sister)
- Richard Ridings (Practice Development Nurse)
- Emily Ward (Pharmacist)
Contact
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
Acute Assessment Unit (AAU)
4th Floor, Lift Bank B
T: 020 3315 8508/9