Intensive Care Unit (01384) 244070

Surgical High Dependency Unit (01384) 244024

Intensive Care Medicine and Anaesthetics

Dr David Perks

Dr Helga Becker

Kaye Sheppard

The Critical Care Unit consists of two separate wards: a nine-bed Intensive Care Unit (ITU) and an eight-bed Surgical High Dependency Unit (SHDU).

ITU treats patients with critical illnesses from any speciality, both medical and surgical, as well as post-operative support for planned, major surgery. The unit constantly monitors patients' conditions and can offer advanced support for organ failure of the lungs, heart, kidneys and brain. Support for patients who require help with their breathing is provided by a range of ventilators, while support for problems with heart and blood pressure is provided by the continuous infusion of drugs guided by the use of sophisticated monitoring devices. Dialysis for patients with failed kidneys is also provided.

SHDU provides high dependency care for planned and emergency surgical patients.

The Critical Care Unit works as a multi-disciplinary team provided one-to-one (ITU) and one-to-two (SHDU) nursing care, regular physiotherapy, pharmacy, microbiology and nutrition advice, in addition to input from patients' named medical/surgical teams.

The Critical Care Outreach Team is made up of experienced Critical Care nurses, supported by the Critical Care Consultants. The role of the team is to assist in the general medical and surgical wards in managing their most acutely ill patients through skill-sharing, practical skills, education and advice. The team also reviews all patients discharged from Intensive Care. 

Medical and surgical patients

ITU - Open visiting 24 hours a day SHDU - Daily 6pm - 8pm

First floor, East Wing, Russells Hall Hospital (opposite Operating Theatres)