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Clinical Assessment Unit, Sutton
The Clinical Assessment Unit (CAU) is an acute cancer (oncology) unit in The Royal Marsden's Sutton hospital.
The unit is for cancer patients who need prompt assessment for troublesome symptoms, either due to their treatment or disease. A specialised team of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals carry out thorough assessments and perform various tests and investigations in order to develop a tailored plan of care and treatment.
Our experienced and knowledgeable team aim to provide effective and efficient care in a timely manner. Having a dedicated ‘acute oncology service’ means that many patients can leave the hospital on the same day they are treated. If an overnight stay is required, admission to The Royal Marsden or a nearby hospital or hospice is arranged.
There are 2 chairs, 1 male and 2 female beds in the unit.
Day case procedures
Some elective day case procedures are performed on the unit to minimise delays in treatments and assist with diagnoses. These include:
- Abdominal or chest drains
- Blood product transfusions
- Intravenous infusions
Usually day case patients will go home on the same day as their treatment.
The CAU is located within Smithers ward on the second floor. There are lifts available near main reception if required.
We’ve worked with AccessAble to create accessibility information for the CAU.
Opening times and visitors
CAU is open 8am-8pm, Monday to Friday.
Food and drink
Sandwiches, nutritional snacks, and hot and cold drinks are available for patients being treated on CAU.
Your hospital visit
CAU staff
Nurses working on CAU have a firm knowledge and understanding of cancer nursing and are expertly skilled in a number of clinical procedures, such as:
- Taking blood (phlebotomy)
- Inserting a fine tube into a vein (cannulation)
- Inserting a tube for urinary drainage (catheterisation)
- Giving medications, fluids and various blood products into a vein.
They also have advanced assessment and diagnostic skills, enabling them to review patients and start early goal directed treatment (EGDT) for better patient outcomes.
They work closely with other members of the multidisciplinary healthcare team ensuring safe and optimum care is provided within the unit.
The Matron for CAU is Louise Davison