Acute Medical Unit (AMU)

Ward Name

Ward Description

AMU is an Acute Medical Unit which provides rapid assessment, investigation, diagnosis, and treatment for adult patients (over the age of 16) who have been referred directly to the team by a GP or the Emergency Department because they have an urgent medical problem that needs specialist assessment. This is a busy unit which is open 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year and sees around 9,000 to 10,000 patients every year.

Telephone No

01722 336262 Ext: 4183

Location

Level 2

Best place to Park

Car park 8

Directions

By car: Enter hospital site at Entrance A. Car parks are at the front and rear of the hospital. Patients can be dropped off and collected from the Nunton Entrance nearest to the Nunton Day Unit. By bus: Alight bus at Springs Entrance (second stop). Enter hospital at Springs Entrance. AMU is located on the right.

Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC)

Patients undergo a number of assessments which take place in a private trolley area. The assessments include initial observations such as blood pressure and pulse, and a discussion about symptoms and medical history. A number of tests and investigations are also carried out where these are felt to be appropriate. These could include blood and urine tests, X Rays and scans or an Electro-Cardiograph (ECG) to monitor the heart.

A consultant will then make a final decision as to whether a patient needs to be admitted to hospital for treatment or further investigations. However, around a quarter of patients do not need any further immediate attention and are able to go home. Some may be given an appointment to be seen again as an outpatient for further tests. For patients who are discharged, urgent appointments are available in case they become unwell again after leaving the hospital.

About the Team

The Medical Assessment Unit is run by a team of dedicated staff. This includes, doctors, nurses, administrators, domestic staff, pharmacists, nursing assistants, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.

The lead doctor for the unit is Simon Hunter, Consultant in Emergency Medicine.

The nurse in charge is Sister Samantha Sanger.

Our staff at Salisbury District Hospital have long been well regarded for the quality of care and treatment they provide for our patients and for their innovation, commitment and professionalism. This has been recognised in a wide range of achievements and it is reflected in our award of NHS Foundation Trust status. This is afforded to hospitals that provide the highest standards of care.