Adult Critical Care Unit (ACCU)

Adult Critical Care Unit (ACCU)

We appreciate that having a critically ill relative or friend in the Unit can be an anxious time for you.

We hope that this information about our Unit will answer some of your questions, however if you are worried or have any further questions please speak to the nurse at the bedside.

The Adult Critical Care Unit is a 12 bedded unit and provides care for both high dependency and intensive care patients.

The Adult Critical Care Team

The ACCU team includes doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians and other health professionals who work together to provide care for your relative.

You will be able to speak to the nurse looking after your relative at each visit. The nurse will update you on your relative’s condition and answer any questions you might have.

Nursing staff

• Senior Charge Nurse wears:

       Navy trousers and navy tunic

• Charge Nurse on duty:

       Wears a yellow badge to indicate this

• Charge Nurse and Staff Nurse wears:

       Navy trousers and cornflower blue tunic

• Clinical Support Workers wear:

       Navy trousers and pale sky blue tunic

Visiting times as detailed below

In ACCU we offer a flexible visiting policy. However our morning routine is busy with ward rounds and other necessary care. We would be grateful if you could visit after 2pm to allow us to care for your loved one. If you are unable to visit at this time we would be happy to accommodate your needs if at all possible. Please speak to the nurse in charge regarding this.

In general we ask that visiting is restricted to close family. If you would like children to visit please discuss this with the Nurse in Charge.

ACCU is a restricted area. When you arrive please press the buzzer and a member of staff will answer as soon as possible.

You may be asked to wait before coming into the Unit to visit. It is never our intention to keep you waiting.

You are welcome to use the tea/coffee, toilet/washroom facilities in the nearby waiting area.

Please rememeber we are here to support whilst your relative is in ACCU.

Information about your relative

Please feel free to phone the Unit at any time.

Direct Dial Telephone Number –

Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) – 01698 366748
Surgical High Dependency Unit (SHDU) – 01698 366826

It is appreciated if only one member of the family telephones and acts as a coordinator, passing on information to other relatives and friends.

If your call is not answered immediately, please be patient, staff may be busy tending to your relative, we will answer as soon as possible. You will usually be able to speak with the nurse caring for your relative, however, if he/she is busy at this time, any relevant information will be passed on to you.

We will provide you with general information about your relative’s condition. Detailed medical information is not normally given over the telephone.

The Unit doctors (Anaesthetists) are available most of the time and will speak with you in private when necessary. An appointment can also be made for you to speak with your relative’s Consultant Surgeon/Physician.

Infection Control

To protect you and your relative from the risk of cross infection, we ask that all visitors wash their hands and use the alcohol hand gel on entering and leaving the Unit. The nurse at the bedside will advise you on any infection control measures to be taken.

When the contamination of clothing with blood/body fluids is likely, for example, patients with diarrhoea, it is recommended that hospital clothing be worn. You should speak to the nursing staff before taking laundry home. They will advise you and give you a written leaflet on how to do this safely.

Patients’ Belongings

There is limited space in the Unit, therefore we will ask that you  take home the majority of your relative’s belongings. It would be helpful if you could leave a supply of toiletries that your relative would normally use; for example, soap, deodorant, hair brush or comb.

General information

Telephone

The use of mobile phones within ACCU is not permitted at any time as per NHS Lanarkshire policy.

Facilities

The following are available in and around the main entrance of the hospital:

• Toilets                                        
• Telephones
• Shop                                          
• Cash dispenser machine
• Baby changing facilities            
• Coffee Shop

You may also use the hospital restaurant.

You will need to pay for your meals.

Smoking

In compliance with the provisions of “The Smoking, Health &  Social Care (Scotland)” Act 2005 and the “Provision of Smoking in Certain Premises (Scotland)” Regulations 2006 you are not allowed to smoke within any of NHS Lanarkshire premises. Smoking is not permitted within the grounds. The use of e cigarettes are not permitted within the hospital or grounds as per NHS Lanarkshire policy.

Religion

The hospital Chaplains are available at any time. The Nurse in Charge can arrange a visit. Family Chaplains are also welcome at any time.

Social Work Department

If you need help from a Social Worker please ask the Nurse in Charge to make an appointment.

Your Views and Opinions

Our staff are firmly committed to providing the best possible treatment and care for your relative. If you are unhappy about anything it is important that you tell us as soon as possible, so  please try to raise your concerns with the staff in the Unit in the first instance. If you are still unhappy and wish to make a formal complaint, you can contact the Patient Affairs Manager at the hospital.

University Hospital Wishaw
50 Netherton Street
Wishaw ML2 0DP
Telephone 01698 361100
Facsimile 01698 376671

If you need this information in another language or format, please e-mail:

Translation.Services@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk