The latest investment into services at South Tyneside District Hospital is providing state-of-the-art care for critically ill patients.
Construction work on the unit, which has six individual rooms to care for patients, began in 2022. Each features smart glass that can be turned opaque at the switch of a button to provide privacy and dignity to patients and their families. The glass can also be made clear to help staff carry out observations.
The rooms also allow staff more space to work and allow for the modern equipment needed to treat those in need of the highest level of care.
A reception area and quiet rooms have also been set up. Staff now have much better facilities, with a seminar room, changing spaces and break room set up.
The unit has its own entrance at the rear of the hospital. This allows families to access the ward directly and supports the transfer of patients via ambulance.
The unit mirrors the set-up of the Integrated Critical Care Unit (ICCU) at Sunderland Royal Hospital, which makes it much easier for staff who work across both sites.
Pete Hersey, Consultant in Critical Care Medicine and Anaesthesia, is Clinical Co-director of Critical Care for the Trust and said the team was delighted to move into the new space.
He said: “This new Intensive Care Unit in South Tyneside District Hospital now provides some of the best facilities in the world to care for some of our sickest patients.
“We have spacious single rooms that offer privacy and a much better experience for families spending time with their loved ones. The equipment within the unit is also all brand new and of a really high specification. We have rest facilities for staff and areas for education and training and that will make a real difference to our team in the years ahead.
“We are proud to say that with this new facility, we have created the best environment to allow the best care for the population of South Tyneside and Sunderland.”
As the new unit is launched, work is continuing on the £10m Integrated Diagnostic Centre in the grounds of the hospital. This will be kitted out with the latest scanning technology and is due to open in the coming weeks.
The Trust has also unveiled a number of other new investments in its South Tyneside site. This included a new £2m endoscopy unit, a £800,000 inpatient pharmacy and a £200,000 refit of its Emergency Department’s resuscitation area.
