The Medical Assessment Unit (MAU) at Vale of Leven Hospital (VoLH) plays a crucial role in providing care for patients referred by their General Practitioner (GP) or the Scottish Ambulance Service. This dedicated department with nine beds, is designed to assess individuals with presumed medical conditions that require urgent attention.
An average day at the MAU involves a thorough review of patients by a skilled team of doctors and nurses. Staffing at the MAU during the day comprises a dedicated team of two to three nurses, one Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW), and two doctors.
Upon arrival, each patient undergoes a comprehensive assessment that may include additional tests such as blood tests, ECGs, chest X-rays, or CT scans, tailored to their specific clinical needs. Depending on the outcome of these evaluations, patients may either be discharged home or admitted for further monitoring and assessment.
The MAU serves a diverse array of patients presenting with various conditions, from breathlessness and chest pain to headaches, dizziness, and confusion.
Recently, the MAU has also introduced Outpatient Antibiotic Therapy (OPAT) in collaboration with the Infectious Diseases team.
This well-established service, known for its effectiveness over the past 25 years across NHSGGC, allows patients who require intravenous antibiotics for conditions such as cellulitis and urinary tract infections to receive treatment at the VoLH on a daily basis rather than being hospitalised for extended periods.
Dr. Fiona Ross, a Specialty Doctor at VoLH, highlighted the benefits of this service for patients, stating, “They don’t have to stay in hospital 24/7… It reduces their risk of developing hospital-acquired infections and maximises their independence.”
As Andrew Seaton, Consultant in Infectious Diseases and General Medicine, noted, the development of the OPAT service is a significant advancement for the local community, providing access to essential care that was previously limited.
The MAU at VoLH stands as a beacon of support for the community, committed to offering prompt and compassionate care.
Find out more about accessing Right Care, Right Place – NHSGGC.