Download The Acute Medical Unit

The Acute Medical Unit
Quick reference guide for patients &
visitors
Ninewells Hospital
Dundee
What are we?
We are an assessment unit for patients with urgent medical problems requiring
investigation, diagnosis, treatment and potentially admission to hospital.
Patients in most need of medical attention will be seen first, but all patients will
be seen within four hours of arrival to the unit.
Where are we?
You will find us on Level 5 in the first block of the medical and surgical wards,
just around the corner from the hospital canteen. Follow the signs for the Acute
Medical Unit.
Please report to the AMU reception desk or AMU East nursing station on arrival.
What do I need to bring?
It is not always clear if patients need to stay overnight and we can now manage
many problems on the same day or as an urgent outpatient, however it is wise
to bring overnight items just in case.
Please bring your medications with you including sprays and inhalers. The
medical staff need an accurate picture of your current treatment and you may be
on some medications that we do not routinely stock or have limited access to.
Decisions about care and possible admission to hospital can take quite a few
hours. It may be wise to bring some entertainment with you such as a book.
We also have free WiFi for patients although electronic equipment is brought at
your own risk. If you would like ear phones to listen to the radio, please ask a
member of staff. A portable telephone is available for patients to make outgoing
calls.
Mealtimes:
Meals are 7.30am, 12.30pm and 6pm. If you have any special dietary
requirements please discuss with the nursing staff.
Visitor information:
AMU East: 01382 663815 (direct)
AMU West: 01382 663814 (direct)
If you are unsure which side then call AMU East or 01382 660111 (switchboard)
and ask for the Acute Medical Unit.
Please note ... confidential patient information cannot be given over the
telephone without the patient’s consent.
Visiting times:
We are open and flexible about visiting times as we have patients arriving 24
hours a day, but there are times you may be asked to sit outside, such as, at
doctor’s visits, at treatment or mealtimes or if an emergency occurs.
Please wait in the designated visitor area outside the unit to reduce traffic in this
busy area for safer patient care
Before and after visiting please wash your hands or use the alcohol hand
gel at the AMU entrance or patient bays to avoid introducing infection.
Are there toilets nearby?
There are toilets available for all patients on both sides of the unit but all visitors
and relatives must use the facilities on Level 7 next to WHSmith. This is to
ensure toilets are available for our patients who cannot leave the unit
Are there refreshments for visitors?
We can only provide refreshments for our patients, but the hospital canteen is
just around the corner with snacks and drinks machines available nearby.
AMU East
AMU West
Developed by Dr N J Irvine and reviewed by NHS Tayside GP Sub-Committee
Revised: 06/2016 Review: 06/2018 LN1035