Medical treatment unit
The medical treatment unit (MTU) caters for adult patients referred from any speciality, attending for treatment, procedures or investigations that do not require an overnight stay.
Services provided
We have a small team of staff caring for patients undergoing a variety of procedures, including:
- Pain interventions
- Liver biopsies
- Vascular angioplasty
- Tests such as synacthen and glucose tolerance
We also care for patients having infusions for chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease, among others. Our team comprises of seven trained nurses, two carers and a ward clerk. There are no doctors based within the unit but they can be contacted if needed. You may also be seen by an appropriate specialist nurse while you are here.
Contact the team
Appointments and general enquiries: 01284 712986
Unit manager: 01284 712992
Opening times
Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays, 8.00am - 7.00pm.
Location
The unit is located in West Suffolk Hospital on the first floor, near the lifts.
Patient information
We would recommend that you wear comfortable clothing for your treatment.
Please note that tea, coffee and squash are provided but you will need to bring a packed lunch with you if you are here all day or over lunch time. Patients who need to be starved prior to attending will be provided with a sandwich, fruit and biscuits after their procedure. If you have special dietary requirements, please let us know on arrival.
We have a variety of magazines available, provided by the Friends of the hospital, but please feel free to bring a book or magazine with you to pass the time. If you bring a tablet or other device with you please note that the Trust will not be responsible for it whilst you are here and you will need to bring headphones so that other patients are not disturbed. You can bring your mobile phone but please respect the privacy of other patients whilst you are here. Toilet facilities are available within the unit.
If you have poor mobility and need help to get to the unit, our volunteer team on reception at the front of the hospital will be pleased to assist you.
There is a café and restaurant within the hospital where relatives can wait for you. Carers can accompany a patient and assist dogs are permitted onto the unit, both at the discretion of the nurse in charge.