New urology unit helps free up hospital beds

A new urology unit is helping free up hospital beds at the Royal Stoke University Hospital.

(c) University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust

(c) University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust

The nurse-led Urology Ambulatory Unit (UAU) supports patients who are well enough to remain mobile and do not require an inpatient bed.

Kay Willard, lead urology nurse and lead advanced clinical practitioner, said: ‘The UAU is for patients who don't need a hospital bed but still need fast, specialist urology care. By seeing people in a dedicated space, we can treat them quickly and safely while freeing up beds on the wards.

‘Instead of patients waiting in a bed for a specialist to visit them, they now come directly to our team. It reduces delays and means they get the right care straightaway.'

Launched in 2026, the service, which includes over 30 people, brings the urology team together with consultants and the Central Treatment Suite.

Willard added: ‘The space also allows experienced and newer staff to work side by side, helping us build a strong, sustainable workforce. I'm incredibly grateful to our managerial colleagues who made the move possible, their support has helped us create a unit we're proud of.'

'Visionary project' takes critical care outdoors

'Visionary project' takes critical care outdoors

By Lee Peart 22 June 2026

A ‘visionary project’ that was 15 years in making has come to fruition at King’s College Hospital.

North West trusts receive urgent and emergency care capital funding

By Lee Peart 18 June 2026

The Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust and Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust have each been awarded £2m from the NHS England Urgent...

Avoiding revenue delays through automation

By Lee Peart 16 June 2026

Robin Beetge, financial automation advisor, RecVue explains how healthcare providers can reduce revenue delays through process automation


Popular articles by Lee Peart