Respiratory Assessment Unit

RAU- Based on Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC)
Patient Information Leaflet

Welcome to the Respiratory Assessment Unit.

You are on Respiratory Assessment Unit. This unit is a specialist unit for respiratory symptoms/conditions. You may have come to us from the Emergency Department, SDEC or via a respiratory consultant or other respiratory team. You are here because you may be experiencing difficulties with an existing respiratory condition or a potential new diagnosis.

Who will care for me?

Your care will be managed by a team of specialist respiratory nurses and overseen by a respiratory doctor. The teams aim is to discharged you promptly (if safe to do so). On discharge from RAU, you will have a follow up plan discussed with you, you may not need any further respiratory follow up. This will be discussed with you before you are discharged.

How long will I be here?

Each case will be individual to each patient so it is difficult to give an exact time. We may need to wait for different test results to come back. If you are not improving and depending on different results etc, you may be admitted to the hospital for further treatment which would be arranged through RAU.

Will you monitor me?

When you arrive to RAU, you will have your observations taken. They will then be repeated based on an individual basis. Some patients may only have them done once, others may have them repeated several times.

Can someone stay with me?

Space on RAU is limited, so we would ask that only one person stays with you. Exceptions can be made on an individual basis.

Can I leave the unit?

We would encourage you to remain on the unit during your stay. Toilet facilities are available along with refreshments and sandwiches.

Comments and feedback.

RAU strives to provide you with a great service. We appreciate your comments and feedback. There will be a friends and family test on your tables which we would encourage you to complete.

Further information.

The following organisations may be able to provide you with support and information if you wish to find out more about your condition:

Asthma and lung UK- www.asthmaandlung.org.uk

If you have any questions, or if there is anything you do not understand about this leaflet, please contact Russells Hall Hospital on 01384 456111.

If you have any feedback on this patient information leaflet, please email dgft.patient.information@nhs.net

Originator: Nicola Hickman. Date originated: June 2026. Review date: September 2029. Version: 1. DGH ref.: DGH/PIL/02231