Display Patient Information Leaflets

Date issued: August 2025

For review: August 2027

Ref: C-621/CC/Ward/Medical Receiving Unit

PDF: Medical Receiving Unit.pdf [pdf] 4MB

What is the MRU?

The Medical Receiving Unit is a short-stay area within the hospital where patients with urgent medical needs are assessed, monitored, and treated. Most patients come to the MRU from the Emergency Department, or via GP referral or via paramedics.

Why am I here?

You have been referred because you need urgent medical assessment and care. Our team will work with you to understand what is causing your symptoms and to begin appropriate treatment.

What will happen during your stay?

During your time on MRU we will:

•  Assess your symptoms.

•  Carry out investigations (such as blood tests, scans, X-Rays, ECG’s).

•   Monitor your condition.

•   Begin treatment where needed.

•   Create a medical plan.

•   Discuss your diagnosis.

•   The medical team will advise if it is safe to go home or need to stay for further care.

Depending on your condition and how long you need to stay, you may be moved:

•  To a specialist ward if you need specific care (e.g. Cardiology, Respiratory).

•  To Thrushel (Short stay ward) if you need a little longer before discharge. 

This is usually decided during daily ward round

Understanding your diagnosis

We aim to give you a clear explanation of your diagnosis (what we think is causing your illness). If you don’t understand something, please ask. We are here to help.

Your medical plan may include:

Investigations 

• Blood tests

• Urine Samples

• ECG (Heart tracing) 

• Chest X Ray or other imaging (e.g. CT, Ultrasound) 

Treatment

•  Medications (e.g. pain relief, antibiotics, fluids)

•  Oxygen therapy 

•  Monitoring response to treatment

Follow-Up

•  Referral to a specialist team

•  Outpatient appointments

•  Advice for your GP

Discharge

We will plan for safe discharge with clear information about what to do next, any medication you need, and who to contact if you are concerned. 

Our care: Your voice 

We believe in shared decision-making, so you are actively involved in decisions about your care we will work with you to:

•   Explain the risks and benefits of investigations and treatments.

•   Consider your personal values, preferences and concerns.

•   Make care decisions that are right for you.

•   You can ask questions, be involved, say no to treatment you are unsure of, include family and carers. 

You may meet:

• Consultants: Senior doctors who lead your overall medical care. They make key decisions about your medical care, diagnosis, and treatment plan, and oversee the whole team looking after you.

• Resident Doctors: Doctors who carry out assessments, working closely with consultants, see you day-to-day and review you regularly.

• Nurses: Your main point of contact. Provide daily care, give medications, monitor observations, and support you throughout your stay.

• Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs)/Physician Associates (PA’s): Experienced clinicians who work alongside the medical team to examine you, help make a diagnosis, review and support to develop your treatment plan.

• Healthcare Assistants: Support with medical care and take regular observations

• Pharmacists: Check your medicines and explain how to use them safety. 

Feedback and Support

We want to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Share your feedback to help us develop and improve out service:

• Speak to any member of the team

• Ask to speak with the ward manager

• Speak to the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)