New Department of Critical Care set to transform care for the county's sickest patients

The new department will provide specialist care for patients with life-threatening illnesses or injuries, including severe infections, major trauma and those recovering from complex surgery.

This development comes at a time of increasing demand for critical care services across the NHS. An ageing population, rising numbers of people living with complex long-term conditions, and seasonal pressures from winter illnesses are all contributing to growing demand on healthcare services across the country.

Designed with patients, families and staff in mind, the unit will provide a safer, more efficient environment with modern equipment and technology. It will initially have 24 critical care beds, with space to expand to 36 beds in the future as demand grows.

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 is expected to care for more than 1500 patients each year and will be run by a multi-disciplinary team of specialist doctors, nurses, therapists, technicians and support staff.

The new building will replace the existing critical care unit at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. Bringing staff and services together in one carefully designed space will support safer, more efficient care and make better use of resources across the department

• The department will include specialist isolation rooms with specialised ventilation systems, allowing patients who are infectious or particularly vulnerable to infection to be cared for safely.
• There will also be improved facilities for families and loved ones, including a kitchen, lounge area and dedicated quiet space for private conversations and reflection.
• Information and guidance will be more easily accessible, helping families better understand the care being provided and the equipment they may see within the unit.
• Accessibility has been a key consideration throughout the design process, with improved access for people with disabilities and better wayfinding throughout the department.
• The project will also create enhanced facilities for staff, including improved changing facilities, purpose-built meeting spaces and dedicated areas for rest and wellbeing.

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, advises: "Clinical teams have been involved throughout the design process to create the best possible environment for everyone who uses the unit.

The Trust's Department of Critical Care currently operates across Gloucestershire Royal Hospital and Cheltenham General Hospital and this arrangement is expected to continue.

Maintaining critical care services alongside major surgical activity at Cheltenham General Hospital ensures patients have access to specialist support should it be required following surgery.

Alongside the new building, Gloucestershire Hospitals Charity is working with the Trust to create dedicated outdoor spaces and arts projects within the new building that will provide calm and welcoming environments for patients, visitors and staff.

To enable construction to begin, site preparation work is now underway. While some disruption may occur, activity is being carefully planned and managed to minimise any impact on patients, staff and services.