Programmed Treatment Unit Antrim Hospital

The Programmed Treatment Unit ( PTU) is a medical ambulatory care service in Antrim Hospital. The Programmed Treatment unit offers same day care to patients at the hospital. This means that patients are assessed, diagnosed, treated and are able to go home the same day, without being admitted into hospital overnight.

Where is PTU located?

The PTU is situated next to the Direct Assessment Unit (DAU) on Level B in Antrim Hospital. Entrance can be gained either through the DAU entrance or via the main hospital entrance.

Who will look after me?

The PTU service will be delivered by specialty doctors and a team of nurses. You will remain under the care of your own Consultant and the PTU team will be able to contact your Consultant if they have any concerns about you.

Staff on the unit

The Unit Sister or Deputy are on each shift and are responsible for coordinating the care and treatment of all patients.  A team of Doctors, registered Nurses and Senior Nursing Assistant will take care of you during your time in the Unit and we aim to keep you informed of your care at all times.

Any comments, positive or negative, can be given to the nurse in charge of your care.

When you arrive

Our administration team will book you onto the system and check your details are correct. You will have been allocated a time for your treatment or investigations to begin. The nurse will ask you about your general health prior to commencing your treatment or investigations.

What if I become unwell during my treatment or investigations?

If you become unwell during your time in PTU and you need to remain in hospital you will be transferred to your Consultants ward for care to be continued. The staff in PTU will arrange this admission and communicate with your family or next of kin.

Services available

PTU is equipped with comfortable chairs and trollies to facilitate your treatments. Access to toilet facilities, television and wifi access. Meals and refreshments will be provided throughout your stay. Special dietary requirements can be catered for and hot meals can be provided.

Opening hours

The PTU is open Monday – Friday 8.30am – 5pm

Car parking

All of our parking at Antrim Area Hospital is pay and display. There are limited disabled parking spaces available outside the Programmed Treatment Unit.

The staff at the PTU provide planned treatments and diagnostics for patient conditions and is delivered by a team of specialty doctors and nurses.

The main objectives of the PTU are to:-

1. Provide safe, high quality and comprehensive person centred care which is responsive to patient needs
2. Facilitate rapid diagnostic and treatment planning and shorten those pathways
3. Improve patient access to care delivered in an appropriate setting
4. Reduce the number of cancellations of patient treatments / investigations due to lack of bed availability