Welcome to the AMU at the Royal Oldham Hospital. We are a 48 bed Acute Medical Unit (AMU), admitting patients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
AMU provides assessment, investigation and treatment for acutely unwell medical patients.
You will be seen by a senior doctor and updated about your care and treatment.
You will see members of the multidisciplinary team, if you require additional help, for example physiotherapist, occupational therapist, transfer of care team or social worker.
We are a 72 hour unit; this means we will aim to discharge you within 72 hours if you are stable for discharge. Discharge planning, where appropriate, will commence on admission.
If you require a specialist ward and are expected to be an inpatient for longer than 72 hours, we will request a specialist ward for you.
We will aim to transfer you to a specialist ward as soon as possible, subject to specialist ward bed availability.
Please ask the nurse or doctor caring for you if you have any questions about your care and treatment.
Useful information
Mealtimes
Breakfast - 8am - 9am
Lunch - 12noon -12.30pm
Dinner - 5pm - 5.30pm
Hot meals, as well as soup and sandwiches are provided at lunchtime and dinnertime.
Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available throughout the day and night.
If you miss a hot meal due to attending an investigation, we will offer you a hot meal on your return to the unit.
Visiting times
We welcome general visiting between 10am-7.30pm. We ask that each patient has only 2 visitors at the bedside at any time.
Visiting at mealtimes is supported if the person you are visiting requires help to enjoy their meal. Otherwise, we ask that visitors observe protected mealtimes.
Please don't hesitate to discuss any concerns around these times with the Sister/Charge Nurse on duty.
Nursing admission
On arrival at AMU nursing staff will:
- Record your observations
- Complete a top to toe skin assessment to check for pressure ulcers or other skin damage
- Record your weight and height
- Check your next of kin contact details
- Complete an MRSA screen, if required
Patient Questions
These questions and the answers are specific to you and can help you understand what is happening during your time in hospital and help support planning for your hospital discharge.
- What is the main reason I am in hospital?
- What is going to happen to me today and tomorrow?
- What extra help might I need when I leave hospital?
- When will I be able to leave hospital?
Your doctor or nurse may discuss with you and your relatives an estimated date of discharge. This is the date we expect you may leave hospital. This is reviewed throughout your stay.
Resources
Please be aware that the following items are available to help patients during their stay:
- Snacks and drinks, 24 hours a day
- Toiletries
- Ear plugs
- Eye masks
- Free newspaper
- Reminiscence newsletter
- Distraction resources for patients with cognitive impairment or learning disability
- Contact details
AMU Reception: 0161 656 1415/0161 656 1092
If you have any concerns or questions during your stay on AMU, please speak with the nurse caring for you or the nurse in charge.
We are committed to providing compassionate and safe care and communicating effectively with patients and their relatives. Please speak with the nurse in charge of the shift if you have any concerns.
Date of Review: April 2026
Date of Next Review: April 2028
Ref No: PI_M_014 (Oldham)