ITU (Intensive Therapy Unit)

The Intensive Therapy Unit has six beds and provides both High Dependency (level 2) and Intensive Care (Level 3).

We are able to provide all forms of multi-organ support for critically ill patients. We provide an Outreach service, staffed by experienced critical care nurses. This allows early intervention in critically ill patients, ward staff education and ITU patient follow-up.

We are part of the Birmingham and Black Country Critical Network and submit data to the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre (ICNARC). This ensures that we regularly review the outcome of our patients and ensures the provision of a high quality service.

This includes:

• early intervention to prevent development of critical illness
• facilitating timely admission to critical care area when required
• ‘follow up' of patients discharged from ITU to ward areas
• training and education related to the Acutely Ill for all members of the multi-disciplinary team

Visiting times

Click here to find out about visiting times.

Outline of the Department

The department is funded for six level beds. These are flexibly managed according to patient dependency in line with national guidelines.

Each ITU (level 3) patient receives specialist one to one care. As patients improve and their dependency decreases, one nurse may be able to care for two high dependency patients (level 2).

Critical Care is provided by a highly skilled multi-disciplinary team led by Intensivists who specialise in treating the critically ill. This team includes Specialist Nurses, Physiotherapists, Dieticians, Pharmacists, a Data Officer, and Unit Administrator.

Links with other Departments

We work closely together with Theatres, A&E, Physicians, Surgeons, Medical and Surgical Wards, Radiology, Pathology, Microbiology and our PFI partners - Domestic Services. Also, other Critical Care units as part of the Birmingham and Black Country Critical Care Network.

Useful Links

ICUsteps - the intensive care patient support charity