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 particular service responsibilities to Vascular, Cardiothoracic, Neurology and Renal Services. GPs can also request scans directly.

Staff

Jacqui George, Head of Unit and Accredited Vascular Scientist , BSc, MSc, AVS 

Alan Ellison, Accredited Vascular Scientist, DMU, AVS

Richard Craven, Accredited Vascular Scientist, BSc, AVS

Michelle Cooper, Accredited Vascular Scientist, BSc, AVS

Tracey Perkins, Lynne Suggs  Vascular Assessment Unit Secretaries

Contact 01752 439228

Location

The VAU is located on level 4 of Zone B, just outside Erme Ward and is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. We do not have a receptionist but there are two buzzers in the waiting area for patients to press to alert staff of their arrival. 

Diagnostic Tests

Tests carried out in the unit are safe and non-invasive. 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 flowing and this is known as a Doppler ultrasound scan or a duplex scan. 

Patients and their relatives may find the following leaflets useful. 

• Ultrasound scan of the aorta
• Ultrasound scan of the leg veins
• Ultrasound scan of the arteries in the neck
• Ultrasound scan of the arteries in the legs