We know how important it is for patients and families to be able to see visitors. Please help us keep our patients and staff as safe as possible by checking the guidance below before you visiting.
Read more on visiting times...
We recognise the impact that a long stay in hospital can have on families and the importance of maintaining strong communication. Our ward staff are keeping in touch with patients’ next of kin directly and our Voluntary Services team can help pass on personal messages from family and friends.
After suspending visiting earlier in the year, we are now able to offer limited visiting to some wards at the discretion of the nurse in-charge.”
Read more on visiting times...
We recognise the impact that a long stay in hospital can have on families and the importance of maintaining strong communication. Our ward staff are keeping in touch with patients’ next of kin directly and our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) can help pass on personal messages from family and friends.
The Queen Alexandra Hospital is located just on the hill slopes of Portsdown Hill overlooking Portsmouth. It is conveniently situated for both the M27 and A3M.
Family members and carers play an important role in supporting patients during an episode of ill health. We are committed to the active involvement of family members, friends and carers during a hospital stay. Family members and carers play an important role in supporting patients during an episode of ill health.
More information on visiting hospital for an appointment.
If you've had experience of using our services and would like to make a comment then please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). Your views are very important to us and we would like to hear where you think improvements are needed or where things have gone so well that you would like to share your thanks or gratitude with the staff involved. When things have not gone so well then you can be sure that we want to hear from you, so please get in touch with PALS.
During your stay in hospital you will meet a number of different members of staff. All members of staff wear name badges, but if you are not sure who someone is or what they do, please feel free to ask them to introduce themselves and explain what they do.
If you have any questions about your treatment, please ask a doctor or a nurse.
There are lots of opportunities for you to get involved with the Trust, from volunteering to attending our public meetings, our Annual General Meeting or our hospital open day which is held every year.
We welcome and value your feedback and use the views you share with us in a number of ways to learn and make improvements as well as sharing best practice. Feedback can be provided in a number of ways.
Last updated: 04 April 2022
The Vascular Assessment Unit (VAU) is part of the surgery and cancer Clinical Service Centre and is supported by 5 Vascular Scientists, 2 clerical staff, a vascular assistant, a nurse specialist and a nurse practitioner.
The department consists of three clinical rooms and separate in-patient and out-patient waiting areas. There are toilet facilities within the department (including disabled facilities). The role of the VAU is to diagnose various disorders related to blood flow such as Deep Vein Thrombosis and arterial narrowing.
Investigations that we perform include;
Below is some additional information about what to expect from your vascular scan and more information about the team.
Vascular investigations assess the blood vessels and blood flow in your body using an ultrasound machine. The blood vessels we most commonly look at are the arteries and veins in the neck, arms, legs or abdomen. The scans are sometimes called a ‘Duplex’ or ‘Doppler’ ultrasound scan.
What will your investigation involve?
During a vascular assessment you will lie on a couch (some scan types require you to stand) and gel will be put on the skin over the area of your body to be examined.
An ultrasound probe will be moved along your skin to allow assessment of the main blood vessels. The test is painless but sometimes a little pressure is used to obtain clear images of the vessels.
The tests usually take 10-60 minutes depending on which parts of the body are examined.
Who will perform the investigation?
The investigations are performed by a supervised vascular scientist who is accredited by The Society of Vascular Technology of Great Britain and Ireland (http://www.svtgbi.org.uk/) or by a supervised clinical scientist who is working towards this qualification.
How do I prepare for my scan?
No preparation is needed for a scan. You may eat, drink and take your medication as usual.
You may be asked to partially undress to allow us to scan the area of interest. You will not be asked to remove your underwear, but loose-fitting clothing may make it easier to disrobe or expose the relevant areas more easily. A relative/friend can accompany you if you wish.
Mobile phones, hearing aids, pacemakers, spectacles and jewellery do not interfere with the tests.
There are no known side-effects or complications of vascular ultrasound scans or ABPI’s.
Dressings - important information:
Although we will make every effort to remove dressings minimally, sometimes it is necessary to remove the majority of dressings in order to complete the scan. There is not always a nurse present in the vascular assessment unit to dress wounds or re-apply dressings that are removed for a scan. Therefore, we advise you to arrange for your dressings to be changed in the usual way as soon as possible following the scan i.e. by your GP or district nurse.
What about my test results?
Depending on the urgency of your test, you will either take the results with you to see a doctor/nurse in the hospital or we will send your results to the consultant that requested your scan on the next working day (or sooner). The consultant will then contact you to discuss the results and possibly arrange a further out-patient appointment.
Dr. Michelle Bonfield - consultant clinical scientist and head of VAU
Ruth Thompson- accredited vascular scientist and deputy head of VAU
Emily McCarthy- trainee vascular scientist
Marina Sealey- trainee vascular scientist
Andrea Kopackova - vascular assistant
Karen Atkins- vascular admin supervisor
Kay Alexander- clerical officer
Our department is called ‘Vascular Tests’, we are located in the new part of the Queen Alexandra Hospital on C level between the lift/stair areas 3 and 4. You can enter via the Main entrance on A level or the North entrance on C level. If you require assistance to get to the department, please ask at reception at either entrance.
Information on vascular diseases: http://circulationfoundation.org.uk/help-advice/
