Question: What examples of good practice can you see in the HDU shown in Fig 1?

Answer: Examples of good practice include:

• Continuous monitoring including respiratory rate and SpO₂
• Nurse's table with observation chart by the bedside
• Well stocked resuscitation trolley
• Ventilators available
• Suction machine available
• More space around the bed
• Reminders on the wall: infection control, clinical guidelines

Question: How does this help the patient?

Answer

Question: What examples of good practice can you see in the HDU shown in Fig 1?

Answer: Examples of good practice include:

• Continuous monitoring including respiratory rate and SpO₂
• Nurse's table with observation chart by the bedside
• Well stocked resuscitation trolley
• Ventilators available
• Suction machine available
• More space around the bed
• Reminders on the wall: infection control, clinical guidelines

Question: How does this help the patient?

Answer: This helps the patient for the following reasons:

• Early recognition of deterioration: prompt treatment improves outcome
• Prompt appropriate treatment of sick patients
• Easier to turn, lift and treat the patient
• Helps prevent spread of infection
• Improves patient safety and prevents errors