News

New hi-tech intensive care unit opens at St Mary's Hospital - 25 March 2009

A new £8m state-of-the-art intensive care unit opened today at St Mary’s Hospital.  

In a UK-first, the unit is equipped with a video communications and patient information system, pictured left, that enables staff to communicate with visitors, colleagues and managers without ever leaving the bedside. Managers, consultants and educators can similarly view the patient from a remote location allowing them unprecedented access to support staff on the ground.

The new technology automatically monitors patients’ vital signs, which are then verified by staff. The systems also store all patient data – eliminating paper records.

Sue Burgis, lead nurse and service manager for intensive care at St Mary’s, said: “The new unit is fantastic and will enable nursing staff to spend more time looking after patients at the bedside.

"The communication system is amazing and allows us to improve our teaching and training without ever interrupting patient care.

“The new unit is a dramatic improvement – it has more room, better equipment, more side rooms and better facilities for staff and patients. Without doubt, our new home not only improves care and the patient and visitor experience, but will also boost staff morale.”

Enhanced infection prevention and control is a key feature of the unit, with antimicrobial surfaces, non-touch taps, automated entry and eight side rooms with negative pressure, one of which could have positive pressure.

Other features include intelligent lighting that guides visitors to the bedside and 32-inch flat-screen televisions with panoramic views of London, thanks to web cameras on the roof of QEQM.

The new ICU replaces a 13-bedded unit on the fourth floor, which will be developed to create new theatre and ward space.

For more information please contact Cymbeline Moore, head of PR, at cymbeline.moore@imperial.nhs.uk or on 020 7886 2386.