Ilchester Integrated Assessment Unit
Ilchester Integrated Assessment Unit is a 30 bedded Admissions and Assessment Unit for acute medical admissions. Referrals are taken 24 hours a day from GP, Emergency Department or inter-department referrals within the Trust. The unit is located on Level 2 South Wing and includes four single sexed bays and seven side rooms. The unit also has four single washrooms. IIAU is a busy unit that operates 24 hours a day so unfortunately it can be noisy at times, even at night. Please do not hesitate to contact a member of staff if you have a concern regarding noise levels.
The Ilchester team comprises of a matron, ward sister, deputy sisters/charge nurses and two consultants. Other professionals that support IIAU include additional specialty consultants, trainee doctors, registered nurses, health care assistants, housekeeping staff, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and social workers. The Unit is supported by two ward clerks who provide cover from 7.30am until 7pm Monday to Friday.
The Admissions Co-ordinator (a registered nurse) communicates with the Senior Management Team to facilitate the smooth patient flow through the unit - this includes both admissions and discharges.
The consultant team will determine the most effective ward or department transfer based on patient clinical need and specialist healthcare requirements.
Consultants' ward rounds take place throughout the morning, so we suggest relatives reserve any calls to after 11am when more up-to-date information may be available on the patient's care.
Relatives are advised to nominate one member of the patient's family to make regular telephone contact with IIAU. Please note that due to the need to protect our patients' confidentiality, only limited information will be passed over the telephone.
Patients and relatives are advised to avoid bringing in large qualities of clothing and valuables as the patient's stay on IIAU can be as little as four to six hours prior to discharge or transfer to another ward, and storage space is limited. Family members will be asked to take property home.
Patients are advised to avoid bringing children under the age of 12 into the IIAU, although this can be discussed with the nursing team caring for the patient.
Nurses Station: 01305 254800
Direct line to ward clerk desk: 01305 255870
Dorset County Hospital Switchboard: 01305 251150
What to expect
Patients can arrive on the unit or be transferred or discharged from the unit at any time during the day or night. As IIAU is an admissions and assessment unit, patients can stay on the unit for as little as four to six hours before discharge or transfer and will generally not stay longer than 24 hours.
Discharge
Your discharge from the unit will be planned from your arrival. Please note that you may have arrived by ambulance – this does not mean you will travel home by ambulance. You will be expected to make your own arrangements for your discharge such as family or friends to collect you or for you to arrange and pay for a taxi or bus home. After the medical team have confirmed your discharge, you will be required to vacate your bed or trolley and transfer to the Discharge Lounge to await collection of any medication prescribed for you. Your family/ transport can also pick you up from here – there are no parking fees as parking is outside of the Discharge Lounge in the South Wing, by the pencils sculpture, in the collection/drop off zone. The Discharge Lounge is open from from 10am until 6pm and meals can be taken here too.
We strive to ensure that your stay on Ilchester is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Please speak to a member of staff during your stay if you have any concerns.