01246 277 271
Patients may be admitted to the Critical Care Department, Intensive Therapy Unit or the High Dependency Unit if they have had planned or emergency major surgery, have serious short-term conditions such as a stroke, or a serious infection like sepsis or severe pneumonia.
Our Critical Care Unit has 24-hour coverage by professionals specially trained in critical care medicine. Consultants are supported by a multidisciplinary team, who work together to care for our patients.
Most patients are admitted to ITU because they have suddenly become very unwell whilst at home or their condition has deteriorated to such an extent that they have been transferred from another ward. Some patients may have suffered some type of trauma such as injuries sustained in a fall or a road traffic accident.
Patients are also admitted to allow a closer period of observation following surgery as a matter of routine and to allow for intensive therapy to be administered in the postoperative period.
It is not unusual for either unit to see a lot of activity taking place around the patient's bedside. We use different types of machines to assist in the care and treatment of our patients and we do understand that this can sometimes be daunting for relatives and friends who are visiting.
Please be assured that a nurse or doctor will always explain equipment and treatment and how it will affect the way your loved one is cared for. We encourage relatives to ask questions and we will always try to be as honest and open with you as we possibly can be.
Other patients may come to HDU because they need more specialist or intensive therapy that cannot be carried out within the constraints of a general ward due to their general medical or surgical condition.
The department also supports a Critical Care Outreach Team, which offers clinical support and advice throughout the Trust and assists with the patient flow throughout the Critical Care areas.