Acute Lung Unit

The Acute Lung Unit is a 32 bedded ward. Many of our beds are occupied by patients with chronic respiratory diseases, both chronic and acute, including:

• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• asthma
• lung cancer
• Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)
• pneumonia
• pneumothorax
• pleural effusions
• obstructive sleep apnoea

Of our 32 beds, 4 are specifically high dependency beds and are used for critically unwell patients who need close monitoring. These patients can be transfers from Intensive Care who may need temporary assistance with their breathing or complex intravenous infusions.

The ward is split geographically into 2 areas with a team of nurses covering each area. In each area is a four bedded bay where our High Dependency patients will go and those patients who need close observational monitoring. The rest of the unit comprises of single rooms with ensuite shower.

At present, there is also a 6 bedded unit which is for specialised infectious diseases which is located at the end of the respiratory unit. This is a separate department, run by the Infectious Disease Consultant Dr Bovill but it will be staffed by respiratory nurses. It is completely separate from the respiratory ward and staff will not cross over the units throughout their shift.

Sister Moira Nicholl is in charge of the Acute Lung Unit and staff. On each shift there will be a Nurse in Charge, known as the Ward coordinator, and they are responsible throughout the duration of their shift for the management of the ward and its resources.

Nurses
Adelaide Campbell-Upton
Emma Randall
Michelle Morales
Davina Studley
Jayne Hopton