The Acute Medical Assessment Unit is a specialist unit for adults with acute medical conditions. Healthcare professionals work together to assess patients, carry out diagnostic tests, provide treatment and determine the most appropriate next step in each patient’s care.
A referral to the Acute Medical Assessment Unit does not necessarily mean admission to hospital. Many patients complete their assessment and treatment without needing to stay overnight. Others may need a short stay for monitoring or treatment before going home or being transferred to the most appropriate care setting.
Your stay at the Acute Medical Assessment Unit.
Most patients are referred to the Acute Medical Assessment Unit from the Emergency Department, although patients may also be referred from the hospital’s day units and outpatient clinics.
You have been referred to the unit because you need further medical assessment, diagnostic tests or treatment.
At the time of referral, it may not yet be clear what care or treatment you need. Assessment at the unit helps us better understand your condition, start treatment and determine the most appropriate next steps in your care.
During your stay, we will assess your condition, carry out any necessary tests, start treatment if needed and monitor how you respond to treatment.
Tests may include:
Blood tests
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
X-rays
CT scans
Ultrasound scans
Other specialised tests
Some results are available quickly, while others take longer. Sometimes we also need to monitor how your condition develops and how you respond to treatment before deciding on the next steps.
Your treatment plan may therefore change as more information becomes available. If this happens, we will explain why and discuss the next steps with you.
The length of stay depends on each patient’s condition and needs. Some patients need only a few hours of assessment and treatment before they are able to go home.
Others need a longer period of assessment, monitoring and treatment. A stay at the Acute Medical Assessment Unit may last up to 48–72 hours.
If you need further hospital care, you will be transferred to the specialist inpatient ward best suited to your needs.
There are several possible next steps following your assessment:
Going home Many patients can safely continue their treatment at home with advice, medication or follow-up care.
Further treatment at the Acute Medical Day Unit Some patients need further treatment or reassessment but do not need to stay overnight in hospital.
Admission to hospital If you need further treatment or monitoring, you will be transferred to the specialist inpatient ward best suited to your needs.
Yes. The Acute Medical Assessment Unit works closely with specialist teams across Landspítali.
If you need specialist advice or treatment, this will be arranged as part of your care. You may see a specialist during your stay at the unit, be referred to a specialist outpatient clinic or be admitted to the appropriate specialist ward.
Unless advised otherwise by healthcare staff, we encourage you to:
Wear your own comfortable clothes
Sit out of bed when possible
Move around as much as you safely can
Eat and drink as usual, unless advised otherwise
Even short periods out of bed can help maintain your strength and independence. If you need help moving around safely, staff will assist you.
Unless advised otherwise by healthcare staff, we encourage you to:
Wear your own comfortable clothes
Sit out of bed when possible
Move around as much as you safely can
Eat and drink as usual, unless advised otherwise
Even short periods out of bed can help maintain your strength and independence. If you need help moving around safely, staff will assist you.
If possible, bring:
Comfortable clothes and suitable shoes or slippers
A list of your current medications
Glasses or hearing aids, if you use them
Your mobile phone and charger
Personal items such as a toothbrush and hairbrush
If your admission is unexpected, a family member or friend can bring these items later.
Before you leave the Acute Medical Assessment Unit, you will receive information about:
Your diagnosis, if one has been established
Any medication you need
Follow-up appointments or further tests
Symptoms that should prompt you to seek medical attention
What happens next
Ask a member of staff if anything is unclear.
Other frequently asked questions
Tests and examinations take different amounts of time, and sometimes we need to monitor your condition and response to treatment before deciding on the safest next steps. Patients with the most urgent medical needs are always treated first.
Ask a member of staff about current visiting arrangements. You can contact the department through this telephone number: 543 1000.
Tell staff about all medications you normally take. Do not take your own medication during your stay unless a member of staff has advised you to do so.
Tell a member of staff immediately if your symptoms change or you feel worse.
Ask if anything is unclear
It is important that you understand your care and what happens next. During your stay, you will meet different healthcare professionals who work together and share the information needed to provide your care.
Do not hesitate to ask a member of staff if anything is unclear or if you have questions about:
