ITU / HDU
01246 512668

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Welcome to the Critical Care Department at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. We are delighted to have you as part of our team during your placement. We hope you gain some useful skills and experiences whilst on your placement with us.

You will be allocated an assessor and usually two supervisors for your placement and be sent this information via email prior to starting with us.

We aim to create an atmosphere for students, which is relaxed, supportive and stimulating. We hope that you develop some useful skills and gain knowledge that will benefit your future practice during your allocation.

During your time in the ITU and HDU, you are considered supernumerary, meaning you are not responsible for patient care. Instead, you will work under the guidance and supervision of qualified staff, allowing you to learn and practice without the pressures of a mandatory workload.

By the end of your placement, our aim is for you to gain valuable insights into the functioning of intensive and high dependency care and the crucial role they play in caring for critically ill patients.

The Intensive Therapy Unit and High Dependency Unit are well-signposted from the hospital's main entrance. Due to the high-security nature of these units, their main doors are kept locked. When you arrive, please ring the bell and have your identification ready. Changing rooms are available on both units and on HDU there are some lockers assigned for temporary use where you can use for your shift and return the key at the end. Please ask the nurse in charge if you require any help with locating these

Changing rooms are situated on the units. Valuables should be kept on your person, as lockers are not always available.

Full Student handbook

Common causes of admissions

Critical Care Equipment Overview

Car Parking

Common Drugs used in Critical Care

Patient Procedures

Philosophy of Care

Patient-Centred Care

Our primary aim is to create a welcoming environment for patients and their families. We place the patient's interests at the forefront of our care philosophy.

Respecting Individuality

We recognize each patient as a unique individual, respecting their perspectives, opinions, and feelings. Patient privacy and autonomy are highly valued.

Comprehensive Care

We consider the physical, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual needs of patients and their families. Involving patients in decision-making and providing support to their families are integral to our approach

High Standards of Care

We are committed to providing the highest standards of care by involving patients and their families in care planning, assembling skilled care teams, and ensuring transparency and honesty in all aspects of care.

Staff Well-Being

We prioritize the well-being of our staff, aiming to create a positive working and learning environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

Level 2 Patient (High Dependency or Intermediate Care)

ITU and HDU Information

Level 3 Patient (Critical Care or Intensive Care)

There are 8 beds on HDU
Level 2 patients are moderately ill or unstable but do not require the highest level of intensive care. They may require frequent monitoring of vital signs, oxygen levels, and organ function.
Level 2 patients may need specialized interventions, such as non-invasive ventilation, close observation, or moderate doses of vasoactive medications (drugs that affect blood pressure). They often need close nursing care and observation with a 1:2 nurse-patient ratio.

While they are not critically unstable, level 2 patients are not fully self-sufficient in their care.

There are 7 beds on ITU
Level 3 patients are critically ill and often require life-saving interventions and constant monitoring. They need continuous monitoring of vital signs, including invasive monitoring of blood pressure and other parameters.

Level 3 patients typically require advanced interventions like mechanical ventilation, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), and high doses of vasoactive medications.

Level 3 patients are usually unable to care for themselves and rely entirely on medical and nursing support for survival.

They demand intensive nursing care, often with a 1:1 nurse-to-patient ratio.

Common Blood Tests (performed on admission and at least daily)

Full Blood Count (FBC) – monitors Hb, platelet count and white blood cell count

Urea and Electrolytes (U&E) – monitors levels of urea, createnine and salts such as sodium and potassium.

Liver Function Tests (LFT)

Coagulation Screen – monitors levels of clotting factors in the blood

CRP – C reactive Protein, an inflammatory marker which can be used toassess infection

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) – monitors blood oxygen saturation and enables ventilation changes to be made

Shift Times:

Mornings: 07:15 - 14:45

Afternoons: 12:15 - 19:45

Long Day: 07:15 – 19:45

Nights: 19:15 – 07:45

ITU Direct Line: 01246 512287 / 512282

HDU Direct Line: 01246 512668 / 513237

Senior Matron

Amanda Marples

Matrons

Natalie Cooper-Hatch

Maxine Hardy

LEMs

LEM Nathalie Harlidge

LEM Laura Early

LEM Elizabeth Sheridan

ITU / HDU 01246 512668

Welcome to the Critical Care Department at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. We are delighted to have you as part of our team during your placement. We hope you gain some useful skills and experiences whilst on your placement with us.

You will be allocated an assessor and usually two supervisors for your placement and be sent this information via email prior to starting with us.

Philosophy of Care

Patient-Centred Care

Our primary aim is to create a welcoming environment for patients and their families. We place the patient's interests at the forefront of our care philosophy.

Respecting Individuality

We recognize each patient as a unique individual, respecting their perspectives, opinions, and feelings. Patient privacy and autonomy are highly valued.

Comprehensive Care

We consider the physical, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual needs of patients and their families. Involving patients in decision-making and providing support to their families are integral to our approach

High Standards of Care

We are committed to providing the highest standards of care by involving patients and their families in care planning, assembling skilled care teams, and ensuring transparency and honesty in all aspects of care.

Staff Well-Being

We prioritize the well-being of our staff, aiming to create a positive working and learning environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

Level 2 Patient (High Dependency or Intermediate Care)

There are 8 beds on HDU

​Level 2 patients are moderately ill or unstable but do not require the highest level of intensive care. They may require frequent monitoring of vital signs, oxygen levels, and organ function.

Level 2 patients may need specialized interventions, such as non-invasive ventilation, close observation, or moderate doses of vasoactive medications (drugs that affect blood pressure). They often need close nursing care and observation with a 1:2 nurse-patient ratio.

​

While they are not critically unstable, level 2 patients are not fully self-sufficient in their care.

​

​

There are 7 beds on ITU

Level 3 patients are critically ill and often require life-saving interventions and constant monitoring. They need continuous monitoring of vital signs, including invasive monitoring of blood pressure and other parameters.

​

Level 3 patients typically require advanced interventions like mechanical ventilation, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), and high doses of vasoactive medications.

​

Level 3 patients are usually unable to care for themselves and rely entirely on medical and nursing support for survival.

​

They demand intensive nursing care, often with a 1:1 nurse-to-patient ratio.

​

LEMs

ITU / HDU
01246 512668

Level 2 patients are moderately ill or unstable but do not require the highest level of intensive care. They may require frequent monitoring of vital signs, oxygen levels, and organ function.