We provide short-term treatment, care and support for people in their first 24 to 48 hours in hospital.

Key points

  • Short-term medical and surgical unit for a patient's first 24 to 48 hours in hospital
  • For acutely unwell but stable patients requiring prompt workup or treatment
  • Aim is to reduce amount of time spent in hospital
  • If patients need more time in hospital, they may be transferred to a speciality ward for ongoing care
Patients need a referral from their GP or healthcare provider. Access referral information

What we do

We provide a range of healthcare services and care for a patients and consumers during their first 24 to 48 hours in hospital.

We care for patients and consumers who are in hospital and may need services and support such as:

  • Physiotherapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Social work
  • Podiatry
  • Nutrition
  • Speech pathology
  • Palliative care
  • Pharmacy
  • Diabetes education
  • Wound management

Our team has access to a range of community services they can recommend to patients before they go home.

Our Acute Medical Unit is a 22-bed, short-term medical and surgical unit (ward).

When a patient arrives, they are assessed by a dedicated team of doctors, nurses and allied health professionals. We conduct rapid assessments, which means we get a fast diagnosis and begin treatment as soon as possible.

Our staff work in partnership with patients and their family to tailor a plan best suited to their individual needs. Multidisciplinary ward rounds occur several times during the day. This partnership approach ensures we provide the highest quality care with the best outcomes for our patients.

Due to the short-term nature of the unit, patients receive prompt and efficient treatment, with the main aim to reduce the amount time in hospital. If appropriate, patients may be discharged directly home.

If patients need to stay in hospital for a longer period of time, they may be transferred to a specialty ward or other healthcare facility for ongoing care. This may occur at any time and only if appropriate.

For patients
For health professionals

What to bring

Every time you come

Every time you come in for a test, day procedure, surgery or treatment, you should bring:

  • Medicare card
  • Health Care card (if you have one)
  • Concession card (if you have one)
  • Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
  • Medications you are currently taking, including any that you have bought without a prescription
  • X-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results you have which are related to your procedure
  • Private health insurance card (if you want to use it)
  • Aids (glasses, hearing aid, walking frame)

For an overnight or longer stay

If you come for an overnight (or longer stay), you should also bring:

  • A dressing gown and slippers, or comfortable day clothes and shoes
  • Your toiletries
  • Your iPad or tablet and phone, provided you are happy to take responsibility for them

Do not bring (for overnight or longer stay)

And if you're staying overnight or longer, do not bring:

  • Your handbag, wallet, purse or large amounts of cash. Just bring a small amount for items such as newspapers, magazines or coffee
  • Valuables, such as jewellery, watches or other items of value to you

About the AMU

Staying in the AMU

The AMU is like a small ward:

  • Every room is equipped with a nurse call bell
  • Patients should nominate one family member as a point of contact. All patient enquiries can then be directed through them
  • The television is free of charge. If you are transferred to another ward, there will be a service charge for television
  • Tea and coffee facilities are available near the nurse’s station
  • Any medications you bring are locked in the bedside drawer or unit safe

How to find the AMU

As you enter the RMH through the main entrance, notice the Volunteers desk in front of you. Head towards that desk, then turn right. Walk past the Organic Cafe, the Volunteer wheelchair desk and the Patient Transport lifts. The Acute Medical Unit doors should be directly in front of you.

We are a secure unit so please use the buzzer located on the front door to gain entry and then report to the ward clerk at the front desk.

After you leave the AMU

If you require ongoing care or support in your home environment, there are several community support options:

  • RMH@Home Acute - for patients who have conditions which can be treated at home. A team of doctors, nurses and allied health staff make regular visits to your house to provide the care you need.
  • Community Services - provides access to services such as meals on wheels, home care and community transport.
  • Community Therapy Services - provides access to specific health based services such as physiotherapists, community nurses and podiatrists.
  • Rehabilitation for chronic conditions - these are aimed at helping you manage your condition and maintain independence. Services include cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, asthma and diabetes education and pain services.
  • Post Acute Care (PAC) - provides patients with community services for up to 4 weeks. The packages may include assistance with showering, shopping, meal preparation, transport and house cleaning.
  • Transition Care Program - provides up to 12 weeks of support and therapy in the home or in a specialised TCP Unit in aim to regain function. Services include nursing, low intensity physiotherapy, social work and domestic assistance.
Contact us
Acute Medical Unit (AMU)
Phone
(03) 9342 7000
Contact the switchboard and ask to speak to AMU
Fax
(03) 9342 8755
Address
The RMH Parkville
Ground Level East
300 Grattan St, Parkville, Victoria
Last updated 22 December 2022