title: The Ambulatory Care Unit at Derriford Hospital.
abstract: Ambulatory emergency care (AEC) is an essential component of any acute medical unit (AMU). This statement is predicated on the clinical and financial benefits it confers. In this article, the author outlines the implementation of the Ambulatory Care Unit at Derriford Hospital and the first 6 months of service provision. The initial data collated demonstrates the impact the service has had locally on patient care and experience. It recommends ambulatory care as driver of better patient flow and enhanced patient experience within the AMU.
authors.affiliation: Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK annabelcarter@nhs.net.
authors.forename: Annabel
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Carter
mesh_terms: D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000379:methods*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: Ambulatory emergency care; acute medical unit; ambulatory care unit