Welcome to
Hawkhurst PAU

Proactive Assessment in a Homely Environment

We offer NHS patients the opportunity to leave an acute hospital setting to have their care needs professionally assessed in a caring, friendly and homely environment. Our proactive, dedicated staff safely encourage patients to reach their maximum independence and mobility.

What does the Proactive Assessment Unit (PAU) do?

  1. Enables patients to be in a “Home from Home” – an environment more like their own home, rather than an acute hospital
  2. Makes patients more confident, encouraging them to become more mobile and confident with activities of daily living
  3. Provides a team of dedicated liaison managers who assist with admissions, and welcome patients into the unit, helping them to settle in
  4. Assesses the needs of patients swiftly
  5. Offers therapies, with dedicated on-site occupational therapy and physiotherapy, including access to a well-equipped gym
  6. Facilitates patients to gain maximum confidence and mobility so that they can be discharged safely, with less need for care in the community
  7. Supports patients to attend any necessary hospital appointments

How does the PAU do this?

  1. Professional on-site assessment – These assessments determine which therapies and exercises will meet the patient’s needs and maximise their mobility and independence. This helps patients and their relatives to make the right choice of placement for the individual.
  2. Dedicated GP support – High quality medical input is readily accessible at all times, with physical attendance three days per week.
  3. High staffing levels – Our permanent carers (we do not use agency staff) are uniquely trained in reablement and assist the dedicated physiotherapy and occupational professionals to encourage patients to reach their maximum potential throughout the week.
  4. Access to a well-equipped gym – There is a wide range of equipment, including treadmill, stairs and parallel bars.
  5. Home assessments – We ensure that all of the equipment, home adaptations and care provision are in place prior to discharge. The professionals have access to a wide range of equipment that can be ordered to ensure the person has the best experience on returning to home.
  6. A reputation for being friendly, caring and homely – Individuals feel safe and encouraged to engage with the therapies offered.
  7. Housekeeping team – We take care of all housekeeping needs and with a sense of humour to ensure fun so that patients feel part of the family.
  8. Visitors – We encourage friends and family at all times with free access to refreshments.
  9. Feedback culture – Patients and their families are encouraged to make any suggestions that will improve the individual’s experience.
  10. Delicious, home cooked food – We encourage the patients individuals to eat good food to promote healthy nutrition.
  11. Whole-person wellbeing focus – Hairdressing, chiropody and activities are offered with a dedicated wellbeing hostess to spend time with every patient receiving high quality person-centred care.

What does a Care Suite in the PAU look like?

Click the buttons on the diagram below.

PAU map bathroom family-friendly dining-table tv bed