Closer monitoring at Burnside’s High Dependency Unit
An integral part of the hospital, Burnside’s High Dependency Unit (HDU) allows for closer monitoring of patients than is possible on the general wards.
This may be necessary for a variety of reasons: including specialised ways of providing pain relief, the type of anaesthetic administered, medication management, airway observation, or pre-existing medical history. We have well-structured and rigorous assessment and review policies and procedures for patients considered to be higher risk, so with more complex clinical needs this category of patients can be more carefully assessed to ensure suitability for admission to Burnside Hospital.
Maintaining patient safety at Burnside Hospital is our single highest priority. Our High Dependency Unit has 24 hour, seven day a week medical support from a group of accredited Intensive Care Specialists who manage more complex medical conditions as required.
The HDU is staffed by registered nurses skilled in high dependency nursing. These nurses work closely with the medical team, ensuring all aspects of treatment are carried out as directed.
Patients medical requirements in the event of an emergency, either in or out of business hours will be managed by the Medical Emergency Team (MET) comprising of advanced life support qualified nurses, your admitting doctor and supported by the 24 hour, on call Intensive Care Specialist.