Acute Admissions Unit (AAU)

• 24/7 direct access to onsite consultant-led service with a dedicated team, including experienced clinical fellows in acute general medicine and nurses.
• Consultants present on the ward 7 days a week, continuously throughout the day to review the patient’s case.
• Patients attended to immediately after admission, as consultants and clinical fellows are already onsite.
• Dedicated 24/7 ambulance transport to transfer patients to our facility when necessary from other hospitals, clinics and from home.
• Rapid access to our on-call specialists who cover any condition. They collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to rapidly progress diagnosis and treatment plans.
• Access to a case management team for discharge coordination.
• Situated on the same floor as the AAU, we provide seamless transfer to our level 2 and level 3 ICU, with 24/7 onsite ICU consultant coverage.
• On-site, state-of-the-art MRI and CT scanners with robust imaging services and laboratory testing, including point-of-care testing for rapid results when indicated.
• Advanced digital systems provide accurate, real-time information on a patient’s progress and treatment plan. This helps us make fast, effective decisions about the patient’s care.

Our Acute Admissions Unit Service

• State-of-the-art facility: Our 12-bed AAU features the very latest technology. The unit is just steps from our intensive care unit (ICU) and close to all of our advanced medical and surgical wards. Every level of care is under one roof, so patients receive rapid, streamlined care.
• Expert team: Our consultants have a broad range of experience, so can handle any acute or urgent medical condition. From general internal medicine and nephrology to haematology and surgical subspecialties, their combined experience connects your patient to the breadth of Cleveland Clinic London’s services.
• Rapid assessment: Patients receive fast, thorough assessment in our AAU from highly skilled consultants. Advanced diagnostics and testing, combined with a full staff of on-site health professionals, help patients get the treatments and answers they need promptly.
• 24/7 care: A doctor is on-site 24/7 to handle complications associated with postoperative care or chronic illnesses. An internal medicine consultant is also available round-the-clock to evaluate each patient’s condition.
• Seamless transition of care: We update referring GPs or consultants regularly on their patient’s condition. AAU admissions may be up to 72 hours, however patients with undifferentiated problems remain with us as long as required. We coordinate any transfers or onward outpatient care with each patient’s care team whilst overseeing every step of their treatment.

Admission Inclusions

Our AAU team provides rapid assessment, stabilisation and treatment for the following conditions:

• Endocrinology and diabetes - related conditions.
• Frailty-related illnesses in older adults.
• Gastrointestinal conditions.
• Haematologic conditions.
• Rheumatologic conditions.
• Renal (kidney) disease and perioperative haemodialysis.
• Respiratory conditions including pulmonary embolism (PE), pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and sleep disorders.
• Heart and vascular conditions including unstable angina, heart failure, arrhythmias and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• Neurologic conditions including TIA and non-thrombolysis stroke.
• Surgical conditions including acute biliary disorders and intestinal obstruction.
• Postoperative medical complications.

Admission Exclusions

• Patients under 18 years old.
• Patients with COVID-19 or presenting with COVID-19 symptoms.
• Patients with acute stroke or STEMIs.
• Care for pregnant patients.
• Patients who require acute mental health intervention.
• Patients with gynaecological emergencies.

If your patient has a life-threatening condition, such as a heart attack or stroke, they should go to the nearest NHS Emergency Department or call 999.

How to refer a patient

• Step 1: Call +44 (0)20 3423 8999 to discuss your patient’s case with our senior medical decision makers and the 24/7 AAU clinician.
• Step 2: We will ask for clinical and administrative information, screen for exclusion criteria and provide you with an immediate response regarding admission.
• Step 3: Our team will liaise with you and your patient to ensure they have everything they need for easy access to our AAU, including ambulance transport if needed.
• Step 4: On arrival, your patient is greeted by our team. From there, we formally admit your patient and begin diagnosing the issue and creating a personalised treatment plan. Patients will be seen by senior members of the medical team within minutes of their arrival.
• Step 5: Whether it is a simple or complex issue, we aim to stabilise and discharge your patient or refer them to the appropriate in-house specialty team for onward care. The patient will be regularly updated by their care team, with appropriate communications also shared with the referrer.

Medical Insurance

Pre-authorisation for acute medical admissions will need to be obtained from the private medical insurer.

Pre-authorisation may not always be possible out of hours or at weekends. In situations where pre-authorisation from the private medical insurer has not or can’t be obtained, patients will be treated as self-pay patients with a deposit required on admission.

Patients who have had procedures or operations with Cleveland Clinic London within the last 30 days will have instructions as to how to access AAU and will be treated as required.

Learn More

Call our Contact Centre on +44 20 3423 7500 for more information about the services offered by the Acute Admissions Unit (AAU) at Cleveland Clinic London.