The Acute Assessment Unit (AAU) provides assessment, diagnostics, treatment, and observation for patients who arrive via an emergency pathway.
On this page
Our aim is to ensure patients receive the right care, at the right time, in the right place, with discharge home whenever possible to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.
Services we provide
- GP referrals – We accept direct referrals from GPs, reducing pressure on the emergency department (ED) and improving patient flow.
- Monitored area – Five individual bays, each with a trolley, for providing best practice care to acutely unwell patients.
- Assessment bays – Three same-gender bays with five trollies each, allowing assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and referral to a ward within six hours where possible.
- Assessment rooms – Four individual rooms for further patient evaluations.
- Ambulatory emergency care (AEC) – Designed for patients who are mobile and dressed, this area includes a waiting area, reclining ‘fit to sit’ chairs, and assessment spaces.
On your arrival to AAU, please go to the reception desk and inform them that you are attending ambulatory care. You will be welcomed on arrival and given an approximate waiting time by the nurse.
Contact AAU
Phone: 01284 713046 or 01284 712592
Where to find us
The Acute Assessment Unit is on the ground floor of West Suffolk Hospital.
Accessibility information
- Accessibility support at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust including information about interpreters, accessible formats and help during your visit.
- AccessAble guide to the AAU with detailed information about entrances and accessible facilities.