AEC patient information

Find out what to expect when you come to one of our ambulatory emergency care or same-day emergency care units.

When you arrive at the unit, see the receptionist there – they will book you in to the department and tell you what will happen next.

Within 45 minutes, you can expect to be seen by the assessment nurse, who will record your observations and vital signs and discuss your condition and pain level with you. As part of this assessment, the nurse will discuss any allergies you may have.

If appropriate, the nurse will organise tests or scans such as an ECG or x-ray, and you will be sent to the diagnostic department before seeing the doctor. The nurse may also provide intravenous (into the vein or IV) drug treatment if appropriate.

After diagnostic tests are completed, you will return to AEC or SDEC. The nurse may discuss your condition with a specialist team and you may receive treatment. Alternatively, when you return to the AEC or SDEC units, you may be examined by the doctor, who will determine your course of treatment and refer you to specialists if appropriate.

After you see the doctor, you will have a clear plan for your next steps. You may be sent home, a follow-up appointment may be scheduled, or you may be admitted to hospital if appropriate.

Our hospitals are teaching hospitals, so medical or nursing students may be present for some consultations. If you do not wish to have them in the room please let the nurse or doctor know and the students will be asked to step outside.