Emergency Assessment Unit (EAU)
EAU is the Emergency Assessment Unit acute medical, surgical, trauma and orthopaedic, and obstetrics and gynaecology patients.
The ward has 28 beds and accommodates both male and female patients.
Patients are admitted to EAU from A&E and by the GPs. Here they are assessed before being discharged or transferred to an inpatient ward.
Visiting hours are between 2-4pm and 6-8pm.
Ward Manger: Emma Jewiss
Senior Sister: Samantha Waldron
Patients on ASU will be treated by a multidisciplinary team which includes surgeons, anaesthetists, theatre staff, doctors, nurses, health care assistants and surgical care practitioners.
Please feel free to share your experience of being on this ward. Please e-mail your views to swbh.comms@nhs.net
On arrival
On arrival to the ward you will be shown to your bed. A nurse will see you to ask questions about your general health and to take details. You will be given a wrist band stating your name and patient ID number. This is an important safeguard to ensure you receive the right treatment.
If at any time you need a nurse, press the large orange button on the bedside handset. A red light will appear, and at the same time a bell will ring intermittently until the nurse turns it off.
Interpretation
We can provide interpretation in most languages as well as British Sign Language interpretation. Please ask a member of the ward staff.
Religious information leaflets and prayer books are available in most wards, please ask a member of the staff looking after you if you would like one of these.
Confidentiality
Any information kept by staff about you or your illness is subject to Trust guidelines for confidentiality. These details will only be passed onto health professionals involved in your care, during or after your treatment here. These details will be shared with you during your treatment as part of your Care Plan.
Visiting the ward
We are happy to keep families and friends informed about how you are, if you agree. The ward telephone number is 0121 507 3189. It helps if one person rings and passes on news to other relatives. Only 2 persons per bed space are allowed to visit and children under the age of 12 are not allowed until previously agreed with the ward incharge.
Visiting is between 2.30 – 4.00 pm and 6.00 – 8.00pm so please respect these times. If you wish to visit outside of these hours please consult the ward staff.
What to Expect
Your name and the name of your consultant will be displayed on the board above your bed. Patients to this ward can be admitted from clinics, Surgical Assessment Unit and other planned admissions. If you are required to undergo any investigations or tests, you will be informed of when these will take place and any preparation that you my need to undertake.
We will hope to discharge you in a safe and effective manner. Should you feel that you may require some help on discharge, it is important that you let us know as soon as possible. If you require a District nurse then we will book one for you.
On the day of discharge, you maybe asked to wait in the hospital lounge, should you require any medication from the hospital pharmacy.
Who’s who:
Life on the ward
Ward rounds
Ward rounds will take place at approximately 8.00 – 9.00 a.m.and on occasions again in the early evening. We invite you to share your opinions and where previously arranged, your family can to listen to the treatment that is to be planned.
Teaching staff
One of the functions of the hospital is to train staff and help them gain experience. Student doctors, nurses, and therapists, may be working with the team involved in your care. If you don’t feel comfortable with them being present whilst you are being examined, please say so, they will not be offended.
Television/radio and telephones
At your bedside is access to a television, radio and telephone through Patientline. To use this facility, you will need to buy a card from the machine on the landing. The cost varies on the services services you require.
Drug rounds
Please tell us if you are taking any regular medications, and if you have brought them with you, please pass them to a member of staff who will store them safely. Staff give out medication regularly, usually before mealtimes and last
thing at night. If you need it between these times, please let the nurses know.
Pain relief
If you need pain relief, it is readily available. Please ask a member of the nursing staff. Most pain relief is given at meal times, but please let somebody know if your pain is not well controlled. We have a pain specialist nurse, who can give expert advice to help eliminate pain and make you more comfortable.
Sleep
It may be difficult to get to sleep in the hospital. If you have please tell nursing staff, who can advise you, and if needed can provide sleeping tablets, or a cup of tea!
Keeping mobile
Unless you are medically advised not to, it is advisable to move around regularly to encourage circulation, prevent stiff joints and reduce the risk of pressure sores.
Going home
Discharge planning will begin as soon as you arrive in hospital. Your nurse will co-ordinate this. This may involve other members of the nursing and medical team. During your stay, it may be necessary to transfer you to another ward. This depends on the length of your stay, and we will try to keep moves to a minimum.
Follow up
If a follow up is necessary, an appointment will come in the post to you at home. If you have asked to see your GP, please contact your surgery direct.
Tablets and medications
Some of the tablets used before admission may need to be changed in hospital, others may look different but may contain the same drug that was used at home. When you leave, we will give you a week’s supply of the tablets you need to keep taking. If you are unsure, please ask one of the nurses.
Transport
If you can get in a car, we ask you to arrange for a family member or friend to pick you up. If you cannot travel by car or nobody is available to pick you up, we will arrange transport home from the hospital. This may be a hospital car, ambulance or similar depending on your need.
Although patients admitted to EAU often come via A&E, where possible they should bring:
• Any medication they are on
• Night wear
• Basic toiletries
Do not bring:
• Large amounts of money
• Valuables such as jewellery
• Television or radios
• Alcohol
The EAU is located above the A&E Department at Sandwell Hospital