
Discharge Assessment Unit (DAU)
Two new wards were officially opened in June 2023 as part of the new Discharge Assessment Unit at Mount Gould Hospital, being run jointly by University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP) and Livewell Southwest.
The new wards, Saltram and Lopes, now provide holistic and comprehensive discharge assessments and reablement for those with complex needs. This allows medically fit patients to be discharged from Derriford Hospital to a facility that is equipped to support their recovery and ultimately their return home; all with the aim to support people to live independently for longer.
Watch the video of the official opening of the Discharge Assessment Unit:
DAU Background
The Discharge Assessment Unit officially opened in June 2023. The unit was made possible thanks to £5million funding received from NHS England, as well as collaborative working between UHP, Livewell Southwest, NHS Devon Integrated Care Board, Plymouth City Council and a number of community partners, including Age UK and Herts Urgent Care (HUC - formally Devon Doctors).
The Discharge Assessment Unit is a facility based at Mount Gould. The team is made up of a team of both UHP and Livewell staff nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and therapeutic support workers. They monitor and support patient health and wellbeing, carry out assessments to help with recovery and plan for discharge. GP support will be provided for the duration of your stay. Once discharged, care returns to the patients own GP.
The unit is split into two wards Lopes and Saltram, each ward has 4 bays with 6 beds in each bay and 2 side rooms, plenty of showering facilities, a lounge area where patients can make their own breakfast and hot drinks, lunch and dinner are also provided, socialise with other patients and staff, join in various daily activities or watch TV with other patients and an outdoor area is available.
DAU Location
Discharge Assessment Unit, (Saltram and Lopes Wards),
200 Mount Gould Rd,
Plymouth PL4 7QD
DAU Benefits
- Allows medically fit patients to be discharged from Derriford Hospital to a facility that is equipped to support their recovery and ultimately, their return home
- Focuses on reablement of patients allowing them to regain their independence in a non-acute setting
- Releases bed capacity at Derriford Hospital to provide space for care and treatment for patients waiting for elective and urgent care
DAU Team and key partners
The opening of the unit has been made possible thanks to £5million funding received from NHS England, as well as collaborative working between UHP, Livewell Southwest, NHS Devon Integrated Care Board, Plymouth City Council and a number of community partners, including Age UK and Herts Urgent Care (HUC - formally Devon Doctors).
The unit is jointly run by University Hospitals Plymouth and Livewell Southwest.
DAU Sustainability benefits
- LED lighting upgrade
- Windows refurbished to minimise heat loss
DAU Contacts
Contacting the unit
Saltram Ward: 01752 434044 / 434043
Lopes Ward: 01752 431944 / 431918
Useful Contacts
- Integrated Hospitals Discharge Team (01752 437474)
- Plymouth Adult Social Care (01752 306900)
- Devon’s Care Direct (0345 155 1007)
- Cornwall Council Social Services (0300 1234 131)
Further contact details:
Discharge Assessmnt Unit Reception 01752 439019