Ambulatory care service at St Mary’s Hospital – 12 August 2013


Important: the contact number for ambulatory care service at St Mary’s Hospital is now 020 3312 3196.Please do not use the old telephone number for the rapid assessment unit (RAU), as this is no longer in service.

The RAU at St Mary’s Hospital emergency department is being combined with our ambulatory care service. The service operates Monday to Friday, from 10am until 4pm (patients must arrive by 4pm).

Please use this service rather than the emergency department if you have a patient who you suspect has:

  • A DVT
  • Renal colic
  • Cellulitis that requires IV antibiotics but probably not admission

To book an appointment for a patient, please call 020 3312 3196. The receptionist will discuss your case with the ambulatory care clinician and confirm the appointment.

We will also ask you to fax a letter to 020 3312 3198.

The patient will be seen and appropriate diagnostics and treatment given. You will be sent a letter outlining the outcomes of the appointment, a copy of which will also be given to the patient.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr Wendy Matthews,  clinical lead for the emergency department, by emailing [email protected].

Ambulatory care unit (ACU)


The Ambulatory Care Unit (ACU), located at both Ealing and Northwick Park and St Mark’s Hospitals, offers same day emergency care and follow-up care to patients with certain conditions. The service enables patients to be treated without the need to admit them to an inpatient bed.

Ealing Hospital
The Ealing Ambulatory Care Unit on is located on Level 1 of Ealing Hospital

Tel.020 8967 3429

Northwick Park and St Mark’s Hospital
The Northwick Park Ambulatory Care Unit on is located on Fletcher ward, Level 6 of the main ward block of Northwick Park and St Mark’s Hospital.

Tel. Tel 020 8869 2094 or 020 8869 5973
Fax – 020 8869 2095

Medical on-call Registrar: Blp 003 via switchboard – 020 8864 3232

– See more at: http://www.lnwh.nhs.uk/services/a-z-services/a/ambulatory-care-unit-acu/#sthash.hi07acwN.dpuf

What is Ambulatory Care?
Ambulatory Care is a new service offering same-day emergency care for patients. There are a number of conditions which can now be treated safely without an unnecessary overnight stay in hospital.  Patients will have the same access to our clinicians, diagnostics and services as our inpatients.  If clinically appropriate, patients return home after their first visit but may be asked to return for follow-up treatments or diagnostics.

How does the Ambulatory Care Unit work?
You must be referred to the unit to receive treatment. There are three referral methods to the service

  • If you visit A&E with a condition suitable for treatment in the ACU, the nurse or doctor may refer you to our service. Most referrals are immediate but some patients may be given a next day appointment and allowed to return home
  • Your GP may consult with one of our doctors about the right course of treatment for you. If a decision to refer you to our service is made, you will be given an appointment to be seen in our unit
  • Inpatients who are well enough to return home but still require ongoing treatment or further diagnostics may be discharged from the ward to return to the unit for follow-up care. This will only happen if clinically appropriate to do so and will be discussed with you before you are discharged from the ward.

What happens when I visit the Ambulatory Care Unit?
A senior nurse or doctor will review your condition. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and the background to your illness. You may have already given this information to the referring team but it is important that our Ambulatory team, now caring for you, clarify this information.

What happens if I need tests?
Staff may ask you to wait whilst any tests or investigations are made. This could be an x-ray, blood test and/or scans. Staff will endeavour to keep you informed of any delays but please ask if you have any questions or just want an update.

ls there anywhere I can get a drink or something to eat whilst I wait?
We have a restaurant serving hot/cold food and drinks and a coffee shop at both hospitals.  Some investigation results may take several hours to come back. If this is the case, the nurse will inform you and you can leave the department and return later. Alternatively you can leave a mobile telephone number and the reception staff will ring to inform you when to return. You are also welcome to stay in the unit and wait.

What is a treatment plan?
Once the results from your tests are known the staff will create a treatment plan for you, which will usually begin on the unit. Where possible arrangements will be made for you to continue the treatment at your place of residence. However, you may be asked to return for further treatments.

At the end of your consultation you will be given information on:

  • The nature of your condition
  • Any further investigations that are required
  • Treatment options
  • Follow up arrangements (in some cases this will be with your GP).

What happens next?
Once your care in the unit is complete you can go home. The staff will let you know the next steps for your treatment before you leave, which may include returning to the unit for continued treatment and review.  If necessary an appointment will be given to you before you leave. Any medication to take home will be given to you along with a copy of your discharge summary. Please ensure you understand the instructions for any medication you are given.

I have some questions, what should I do?
Please do not hesitate to ask any staff member if you have concerns or need information. If they are unable to help they will seek more senior advice.