The Clinical Assessment Unit (CAU) at Forth Valley Royal Hospital provides assessment and treatment for patients who have been referred by a healthcare professional, such as a GP or the Scottish Ambulance Service. Patients attend the unit for assessment, investigation and treatment.

What to expect

When you arrive, a nurse will carry out a rapid initial assessment (triage) to determine how urgently you need care. Based on this assessment, you will be placed into a priority category and asked to wait in one of our designated waiting areas.

Patients are seen based on clinical need rather than arrival time. This means some patients who arrive after you may be treated before you if their condition is more urgent.

During your wait:

• Your condition will continue to be monitored.
• You may be moved to a different waiting area.
• Your priority category may change if your condition improves or becomes more urgent.
• Tests may be carried out while you are waiting. These can include blood tests, an electrocardiogram (ECG) or X-rays.

Our staff

During your stay you may meet a range of healthcare professionals involved in your care, including:

• Nurses
• Doctors
• Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs)
• Pharmacists
• Occupational Therapists
• Physiotherapists
• Clerical staff

Depending on your needs, you may also be seen by staff from other departments. All staff should introduce themselves and explain their role in your care.

If you have any concerns, please speak to a member of the nursing team who can arrange for you to speak with the Nurse in Charge.

Your assessment

You will be assessed by a member of our clinical team, such as a doctor or Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP). They will:

• Review your condition.
• Begin any necessary treatment.
• Arrange further investigations or tests if required.

Some tests take time to process and you may need to wait several hours for results. During this time, we will continue to monitor your condition, manage any changes in your symptoms, answer your questions and offer refreshments where possible.

How long will my assessment take?

Your assessment may require time for tests to be completed and results to be returned. The initial assessment commonly takes between four and six hours, although this may take longer if additional investigations or specialist consultation are required.

Please speak to a member of staff if you have any particular needs or concerns during your visit.

Possible outcomes

Following your assessment, you may:

• Be redirected to another clinical area that is more appropriate for your condition.
• Be discharged home once assessment and/or treatment is complete.
• Be admitted to hospital for further assessment and/or treatment.
• Be given a follow-up appointment.

Some patients may be transferred to the Acute Assessment Unit (AAU). This unit is located alongside the Clinical Assessment Unit and can be used for longer stays requiring ongoing assessment and treatment.

After you leave

Your symptoms may change after you leave the Clinical Assessment Unit. If you develop any new or worsening symptoms, please seek medical advice as your condition may have changed.

You should normally contact your GP or call NHS 24 on 111 (textphone: 18001 111). In an emergency, call 999 or attend the Emergency Department.

If you have any questions about your treatment or follow-up care, please contact the consultant’s secretary via the hospital switchboard on 01324 566000.

Information for family members and carers

Family members are welcome to visit between 11am and 8pm, but may be asked to wait in one of our waiting areas while a patient is being assessed. If the assessment is likely to take several hours, it may be more comfortable for them to return home. Staff can provide updates once tests and any further assessments have been completed.

Patients with a cognitive impairment can have a relative or carer stay with them for as long as required.

To help us communicate effectively, it can be useful to nominate one family member as the main point of contact. They can receive updates and share information with other relatives and friends.

Communication and support

Family and friends can be contacted at any time and a phone can be provided if required.

If you have communication needs, such as support with hearing, speech, language or using a phone, please let us know. We will make every effort to provide the support and arrangements you need to stay connected.

You can contact the friends and family line on 01324 566043 or 01324 566044.

Refreshments

Food is provided at regular patient mealtimes. If you are in the main waiting area, please ask a nurse or housekeeper if you require assistance.

Friends and family are welcome to bring food and drinks for patients. However, please check with the clinical team first as patients may need to stop eating or drinking before certain procedures or tests.

Hospital facilities

More information about facilities at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, including food and drink outlets, shops, cash machines, parking and free Wi‑Fi, is available on our Hospital facilities page.