New Same Day Emergency Care Unit reduces time patients spend in A&E

A brand-new, purpose-built Assessment Unit at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) is helping to reduce the amount of time patients spend in A&E. 

The Acute Medical Rapid Assessment Unit (AMRAU) aims to investigate, treat, and discharge patients on the same day, freeing up space at Royal Stoke’s emergency department and other acute medical wards.     

The Unit provides an additional 16 beds and 10 trolley spaces for patients referred from A&E, Community, and primary care services.

Figures from UHNM show that since opening last month, the Unit has led to quicker ambulance handovers, less corridor care, and almost halved the time that patients spend in A&E prior to being admitted to a ward.   

The Unit was officially opened at a ceremony earlier today by Simon Constable, UHNM Chief Executive. 

Speaking at the official opening of the Unit today, Dr Zia Din, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at UHNM said: “By increasing the number of patients we can treat and discharge on the same day or next day, we are able to reduce the demand on our A&E department and acute wards whilst ensuring our patients receive the highest quality of care.    

“Since the Unit opened last month, we have seen an increase in the number of patients discharged early through the better utilisation of both additional beds and our community step down services.” 

Patients on AMRAU are assessed and treated in four bed bays and two trolley bays. The Unit also offers eight, en suite side rooms.  

Tina Cope, Senior Sister said: “AMRAU has made a massive difference to patient flow, with a positive impact on the pressures on the Royal Stoke’s A&E Department. The Unit is running well, and patients are receiving treatment quickly and effectively before being discharged home or a place of care. Our staff are settled, and we have a fantastic new environment to provide the best possible patient care.” 

The purpose-built Unit, which sits next to the Royal Stoke’s A&E department and Staffordshire Children’s Hospital at Royal Stoke, has been built with sustainability in mind, featuring several solar panels on the roof, with heating and hot water provided by carbon-neutral heat pumps. 

The Unit also features a comfortable and well-furnished patient and staff breakaway room, made possible thanks to UHNM Charity funding.