New intensive care unit opens

12 September 2012

Patients in Jersey who require intensive care are to be cared for in a new unit.

The new unit replaces the current intensive care unit which was opened in 1989. The first phase in building a modern purpose built intensive care unit was completed in January 2012 with the opening of a five-bed medical intensive care unit decant facility.

The second phase of a three-stage project to upgrade intensive care facilities at the hospital has now been completed.

Each year, around 200 patients are admitted to the hospital’s surgical intensive care unit, while around 550 use the medical intensive care unit. 

Gary Kynman, Deputy Director of Operations at the General Hospital said "The new unit will eventually provide beds for up to seven critically ill patients. We have increased the area around each bed space improving patient privacy and infection control standards. This will also help medical and nursing staff when delivering care to critically ill patients. As part of the modernisation there is also improved storage and new equipment. For example, we have a new ventilation system which changes the air ten times every hour and two highly specialised isolation rooms to assist with maintaining infection control standards."

The project, costing £2.95 million, is being undertaken by local contractors Larsen, and is on time and within budget. The next and final stage of the three-phase project is to complete the refurbishment of ancillary and treatment rooms and specialised isolation rooms. This work will commence early October 2012.

Mr Kynman said “We are continuing to ensure our healthcare facilities in Jersey are the very best they can be for our patients, their families and our staff.  I am pleased that our plans have ensured the safe delivery of critical care was not disrupted during the six months taken to complete the second phase of works and we can today transfer into the new facility. This has been a fantastic team effort and special thanks must go to the staff of the intensive care unit, the HSSD design team and the local contractors."