Acute Assessment Unit

Services We Offer

The Acute Assessment Unit (AAU) is a short stay assessment area and takes medical admissions direct from the Emergency Department. The majority of patients have a length of stay of 48 hours or less. Patients requiring specialist care or those with an anticipated longer length of stay are transferred to an appropriate bed outside the Unit. This includes our medical beds at Osborne Park Hospital, where patients can be looked after closer to their home. In addition we work closely with the GP Divisions of WA and when possible admit patients to a hospital in the home program. The priority in the AAU is in formulating a coordinated plan of care for patients with an emphasis on early diagnosis, backed up by prompt investigations and treatment. The unit has its own dedicated multidisciplinary team who provides assessment and care across all 7 days of the week. A pivotal role within the unit is that of the Care coordinator. This senior nursing position promotes excellence in patient care by providing expertise in planning and co-ordination ensuring “seamless care” for patients.

Aims of the Acute Assessment Unit

To provide more efficient management of available beds
To focus acute care in an appropriately staffed and equipped environment
To coordinate discharge planning
To reduce the average length of stay for medical patients
To reduce the frequency of adverse drug events
To facilitate clinical trials in acute medicine
To enhance the teaching of acute medicine

Patient Population

Patients admitted to the Acute Assessment Unit may have one or more of the following conditions:

Cardiac Failure
Chest Pain
GI Bleeding
Stroke
Acute Confusion
Asthma
Substance Abuse
Sepsis
Chronic Airways Disease
Diabetes

Philosophy Of Nursing: Ward G72 – Acute Assessment Unit

The AAU philosophy is aimed toward the maximal recovery of the patient; that is, the process by which the patient is guided toward his/her optimal recovery and rehabilitation.
The nurse is the intermediary between the patient and the hospital system. The staff’s calm, reassuring and competent manner will reassure and allay patients’ anxiety.
Where recovery is not possible, the patient and his/her significant others will be given the support of the nursing staff, to help them accept and cope.
Effective communication and a co-ordinated team approach are essential to quality care.
All nurses value the opportunity to participate in continuing education specific to their learning needs and are required to keep their knowledge and skills updated.

Nursing Leadership

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Helen Loveridge

Page 4853

Care Coordinator

Marjorie Brent

Phone 61 8 9346 4705

Nurse Manager

Jane Newcomb

Page 4859

Staff Development Nurse

Gary Dear

Page 4465