Question: Where should an HDU be located?

Answer: The HDU may be a separate ward or may be one or more beds in a general ward.

There must be easy access to HDU for emergencies.

Ideally the location should be secure, with the ability to control access if possible. There should be a plan for evacuating patients in the event of fire or security threat.

There may be more than one HDU, e.g. with separate ones for medical, surgical and paediatric. It is generally more efficient to have all unwell patients in one place.

HDU should be close to the ICU if there is one.

Critical care areas should be close to the emergency department, theatres, x-ray department, labs and blood bank, if possible.