An acute inpatient geriatric assessment and treatment unit.

The inpatient geriatric assessment unit (GAU) is an important component of the Geriatric Assessment and Treatment Centre (GATC) at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, British Columbia. The Centre attempts to accomplish the following: to provide, at the request of the attending physician, diagnostic, treatment, and management services where it best suits the patient (ie, at home, in the outpatient service, or following admission to the ward); and to provide, if necessary, follow-up service after discharge to help prevent readmission to the acute hospital or any part of the geriatric service.