Emergency Department and Minor Injury Unit
You have been transferred to the Ambulatory Emergency Care (AEC) unit for further investigation, treatment or observation of the medical problem you attended the Emergency Department with.
In transferring you to the AEC unit it is felt that there is a high chance that you will be able to be discharged today. The AEC is used in this situation as an alternative to admitting you to a hospital in-patient bed, which can have several benefits:
If you are discharged from hospital, this will likely occur for you much quicker than had you been admitted to an in-patient ward
It can reduce the demand on in-patient ward beds
It can reduce the pressure on the Emergency Department
While you are in the Ambulatory Emergency Care unit
During your time in the AEC unit there are staff on hand to assist you. They are there to ensure the required on-going management of your medical problem is undertaken. This can include:
- Chasing up outstanding blood results
- Repeating blood tests (some require a second sample at a specified later time)
- Observing you for a required medical time period
- Ensuring a review from any required specialities takes place
The AEC unit is also intended to be more comfortable and relaxed than the busy Emergency Department. The staff will more than likely offer you a cup of tea or coffee and some food, but please do not hesitate ask if you require anything.
Treating pain
If needed, painkiller options include the following:
Paracetamol is usually recommended for painful sprains or strains.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) relieve pain and may also limit inflammation and swelling. You can buy some types (for example, ibuprofen) at pharmacies, without a prescription either topically as a cream, or as tablets. You should check the medication advice leaflet to ensure you are safe to take these as some patients with asthma or stomach ulcers may not be able to.
Further information
For further advice and information about your condition, please choose from the following:
- ‘NHS Patient Choices’ website: www.nhs.uk
- ‘Making Lives Better’ patient website: www.patient.info
- Telephone NHS 111
- Contact your General Practitioner
Contact details
- The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW
Telephone: 01642 850850 - The Friarage, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL6 1JG
Telephone: 01609 779911 - Redcar Primary Care Hospital, West Dyke Road, Redcar, TS10 4NW
Telephone: 01642 511000
If you have any medical concerns or need advice please contact 111, for further information regarding this leaflet please contact [email protected]
This email will be monitored 9am-4pm Monday to Friday.
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]