High Dependency Unit

Sometimes women require specialised care and monitoring in pregnancy, during the birth or after the birth of their baby. Examples of the sorts of conditions that we know about in advance that might mean you will need extra care include:

• Raised blood pressure (pre eclampsia)
• Cardiac conditions
• Renal/ Liver complications

Sometimes we won’t know in advance that you will need to come to our HDU. If you do need the service, please be reassured that you will be in good hands. Midwives and consultant obstetricians work closely together to ensure that you receive the best care possible to get better.

Where is HDU?

HDU is a 3 bedded area on our delivery suite which is open 24 hours a day.

Why else do women need HDU care?

Some women loose more blood than normal following the birth and will need extra care and observation.

If you are admitted to the High Dependency Unit

There are special monitors in the HDU that help the staff caring for you closely monitor your heart rate and blood pressure. You may also have special drips in your veins to enable us to give you medicines more easily or take blood tests from you.  

Your Baby

If you have given birth, provided your baby does not need their own special care in our neonatal unit , they will remain with you in HDU. The midwives looking after you will also help you and your family to care for your baby, by providing support and advice.

If your baby is on the neonatal unit, we will contact them regularly to let you know how s/he is doing. Also, we will make every effort to we can for you to see your baby at the earliest, safest opportunity. Your partner will be able to go to the neonatal unit shortly after the birth. A photograph of your baby will be provided for you to have.

Visitors to HDU

Visitors are welcome but we request that no more than 2 visitors are present at any one time.

Reducing the risk of infection

Children - Only your own children are allowed to visit.

Alcohol Gel - All visitors must use the alcohol gel hand hygiene solution before and after entering HDU

Unwell yourself? - Please don’t visit if you have flu symptoms or stomach upsets

No flowers - Sorry but we know that flowers can be a source of infection

Visitor staying overnight

Your partner or a nominated friend/family member may be able to stay overnight in some circumstances.

We understand that the time spent in the High Dependency Unit may be traumatic for you and your family. We will do everything we can to help you through this time. If you have any questions about the care you are receiving or have received, please feel free to ask the staff caring for you.

This page was last modified on Thu Jul 29 2010