Gloucestershire Royal Hospital's new critical care unit aims to enhance patient care
The state-of-the-art facility will provide specialised care for patients with life-threatening conditions
Gloucestershire Royal Hospital is set to improve care for its sickest patients with the development of a new Department of Critical Care.
The upcoming facility will offer advanced care for individuals with life-threatening illnesses or injuries, such as severe infections and major trauma, and will cater to those recovering from complex surgeries.
This initiative comes amid growing demand for critical care services across the NHS due to factors like an ageing population, an increase in people living with complex long-term conditions, and seasonal pressures from winter illnesses.
Modern Design
The new unit, designed with patients, families, and staff in mind, will initially feature 24 critical care beds, with the ability to expand to 36 beds as demand increases.
Kevin McNamara, Chief Executive, said, "This new facility reflects one of the Trust's strategic ambitions to improve our care environments."
"The new Department of Critical Care will provide a state-of-the-art unit for some of our most vulnerable patients and help ensure we can meet the needs of both today's population and future generations."
The department will feature specialised isolation rooms with ventilation systems designed to safely care for infectious patients or those particularly vulnerable to infections.
Facilities for families, such as a kitchen, lounge area, and dedicated quiet spaces, are included for private conversations and reflection.
Improved accessibility for people with disabilities and better wayfinding throughout the department are key considerations in its design.
Staff will benefit from enhanced facilities, including improved changing areas, purpose-built meeting spaces, and dedicated areas for rest and wellbeing.
Multi-Disciplinary Team
A multi-disciplinary team comprising specialist doctors, nurses, therapists, technicians, and support staff will run the new facility, expected to care for more than 1,500 patients annually.
The new building will replace the existing critical care unit at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, consolidating staff and services into one carefully designed space to support safer and more efficient care.
Deborah Elliott and Debbie Seal, Matrons for Critical Care, said: "We are delighted that our new critical care unit will support us to deliver the highest standards of care for our community at what is often a very difficult time for patients and their loved ones."
Dr Simon Webster, Consultant in Critical Care, added, "Clinical teams have been involved throughout the design process to create the best possible environment for everyone who uses the unit."
Continued Collaboration
The Trust's Department of Critical Care will continue operating across Gloucestershire Royal Hospital and Cheltenham General Hospital, ensuring that patients have access to specialist support following surgery.
The new DCC space provides additional capacity to support the phased decant of the Tower Block for ongoing fire safety improvement work.
Gloucestershire Hospitals Charity is collaborating with the Trust to create dedicated outdoor spaces and arts projects within the new building to offer calm and welcoming environments for patients, visitors and staff.
Site preparation work has begun, with efforts made to minimise disruption for patients, staff, and services.
Dr Simon Webster commented, "From increased natural light and improved ventilation to the latest monitoring equipment and better facilities for visitors, the new department has been designed to meet the needs of Gloucestershire's population for many years to come."