New Respiratory Support Unit opens at the PRUH

22 May 2024 - New unit at Princess Royal University Hospital has 12 specialist beds

A new respiratory unit has started treating patients at the Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) this month.

The new unit – which consists of 12 specialist beds – has replaced the hospital’s former respiratory ward, and cares for patients needing advanced respiratory care, many of whom are admitted via the hospital’s Emergency Department.

The modern and improved facility has been funded by NHS England, and boosts the PRUH’s capacity for treating patients needing specialist respiratory care. The unit also includes a number of single side rooms, so enhancing infection prevention and control measures.

Philippa Heroe, Matron, said the new facility was a positive development for the PRUH:

“This is really good news for our patients, and also supports staff to provide the very best care for the people who need us.

“The new facility enables our teams to provide care for patients who need advanced monitoring, and we can also provide high quality acute non-invasive ventilation (NIV) treatment that previously would need to be provided in critical care.”

The new unit is also equipped with advanced respiratory technology designed to meet the needs of patients with respiratory conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, pneumonia, and respiratory failure.

Angela Helleur, Site Chief Executive for the PRUH and South Sites, also welcomed the new facility:

“Our teams work so hard to provide high quality care for patients, so it’s great news that we have a new, dedicated facility for patients requiring respiratory care.”

Photo shows Philippa (left) and Angela opening the new facility earlier this month.