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 multiprofessional 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 multiprofessional 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.

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.

A great place to work means a great place to be treated

Featuring our busy Acute Assessment Unit, find out why Chief Nurse Pippa Nightingale thinks our Trust is an exciting place to build a career, supported by mentors and excellent access to education—to provide our patients with the best possible care.

Our management team

  • Dr Hannah Skene (Service Director, Acute Medicine)
  • Dr Sanjay Krishnamoorthy (Clinical Director, Emergency Services)
  • Prof Kevin Shotliff (Divisional Medical Director)
  • Kristi Van Rosenveld (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

Gallery


Staff Nurse Nicola Hearmon with Healthcare Assistant Naima Yaqoob—PROUD to care!


All about the team: Practice Development Nurse Richard Ridings with Sister Lizzie Summerfield and Staff Nurse Tabby Dizon—teamwork is paramount on AAU!


Friendly AAU administrators like Khadidia Camara help support the multidisciplinary ward team

Contributors
amyco emma George Vasilopoulos