The High Dependency Unit sits within the Critical Care Department next to Intensive Care.

It has 6 beds looking after post-operative patients, tracheostomy patients, and acutely unwell medical patients requiring closer observation than a general ward can provide. Two of the beds provide level 2 care, which may include some respiratory support with non-invasive ventilation via a mask when required. Patients may be admitted from the general ward, Emergency department, Theatres or Intensive Care.

The nurse to patient ratio is 1:2 making this higher level of care achievable. The patients in HDU are looked after by the general hospital medical doctors and there is easy access to the Intensive Care Team and Critical Care Outreach when required.

Patients may be attached to heart monitoring equipment and oxygen monitoring equipment during their stay. They may also have several intravenous lines or a urine catheter. This is to enable the staff to observe the patient’s condition more closely.

Visiting times

15.00 – 19.30 or at the discretion of the nurse in charge. Patients in the HDU do not require anything special with them, only toiletries. We ask that valuables are kept at home whenever possible.

Contact information

HDU

Tel: 01737 768511 x 2736

ICU 

Tel: 01737 768511 x 6381 or 1670 (direct line 01737 231670)

Carole Love and Chris Beevers

Lead Nurse for HDU and ICU

Tel: 01737 768511 x 1669
Bleep. 528