Vascular Assessment Unit
The Vascular Assessment Unit (VAU) provides a range of tests, mainly using ultrasound, to diagnose and monitor arterial and venous disease. The service is available to Consultants within the Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, with service responsibilities to Vascular, Cardiothoracic, Neurology and Renal Services. GPs can also request some scans directly.
Key Clinical Staff
Michelle Cooper - Lead Vascular Scientist, BSc, AVS
Jacqui George - Senior Vascular Scientist, BSc, MSc, AVS
Richard Craven - Accredited Vascular Scientist, BSc, AVS
Carly Kingdon - Vascular Clinical Scientist, BSc, MSc
Patty Lupea - Trainee Vascular Scientist, BSc
Connor Rooney - Trainee Vascular Clinical Scientist, BSc, MSc
Tracey Perkins - Vascular Assessment Unit Secretary
Contact: 01752 439228
Location
The VAU is located on level 4 of Zone B, just outside Erme Ward and is open from 8:30 to 17:00, Monday to Friday. We do not have a receptionist, but there is a buzzer in the waiting area for patients to press to alert staff of their arrival. We do not operate an out-of-hours service.
Diagnostic Tests
An ultrasound scan uses high frequency sound waves, which you cannot hear, to build up a picture of inside the body. It is best known as the scan used to look at unborn babies. It does not use any type of radiation and is considered to be completely safe. Ultrasound can also be used to detect blood flow. This is known as a Doppler Ultrasound Scan or a Duplex Scan.
Tests carried out in the unit are safe and non-invasive. There are usually no special preparations required for the tests. You will need to remove some of your clothing, so that we can access the area we need to scan.
Please phone the Vascular Assessment Unit on 01752 439228 if you have any questions that you want answered before attending for the scan or if there is anything that you think we should know about before your scan.
The Vascular Scientist who does the scan will also be happy to answer any further questions that you have.
Patients and their relatives may find the following leaflets useful.
