Ward 37 is an integrated adult critical care unit which means we care for both high dependency and intensive care patients in the same place and can change the care provided at any time to ensure patients receive the right support when they need it.
We look after people who have had operations on their blood vessels and circulatory system (vascular system), ear, nose or throat, kidney and liver surgery or transplantation.
We also care for many patients who need medical treatments for breathing, blood and liver disorders.
So we can closely observe and care for you, we have both open plan areas and cubicles. Sometimes we use cubicles to control infection. All of our bed areas are fitted with curtains to maintain privacy and dignity.
During your stay on the ward
We will connect you to equipment to show your heart rhythm, pulse and blood pressure. You may need to have a facemask to receive oxygen or a ventilator (breathing machine).
You may also need some other specialist equipment during your day to support your heart, lungs or kidneys – a nurse can explain this equipment to you.
Because of our experience in liver transplantation and other specialist procedures, you may be transferred here from another part of the UK.
Leaving the ward
When you are stable and the team are happy you will leave the critical care unit. We aim to do this during a day shift however on occasions this may happen overnight to allow an emergency admission into the unit.
You may also be transferred to other critical care units within the Newcastle trust if needed. Some patients who require a long stay in critical care may be moved to a hospital nearer their home.
The staff will always inform you of any changes.
When you leave to go to the ward the outreach team (A team of senior nurses who review discharges and poorly ward patients) may visit you up on the ward.
Staff you are likely to meet
A nurse will care for you and possibly one other patient. A doctor is available most of the time, but if they aren’t available when you visit, you can make an appointment to meet a doctor to discuss any concerns.
A physiotherapist will help you clear your chests to prevent infection. They will also help with exercise.
Visiting hours
9am to 8.00pm every day.
Please speak to the nurse in charge if you need to visit at other times.
If reception staff are not available, press the entrance button and wait for a member of staff to speak to you. The doors will open automatically and you can enter the ward.
Only two visitors are allowed at the bedside at any time. If you have had a transplant, then visiting is initially restricted to the same two family members only.
When you come onto the unit, please remove your coat and leave it on the hooks provided. Remember to take any valuables with you.
Facilities
We have a visitor’s room where you will find a TV, sofas, tea and coffee facilities and a toilet within the reception area.
Location of ward
Ward 37 (Integrated Critical Care Unit) is on level three of the Institute of Transplantation at the Freeman Hospital.
We are based at the Institute of Transplantation on the right hand side of the Freeman Hospital.
Come through the main entrance at the Freeman Hospital, and walk down the main corridor past the reception desk, shop and library. You will come to a T-junction where you should turn right.
Continue down this corridor, following the signs for the Institute of Transplantation. When you reach the Institute, you will see a large reception desk in the main atrium with lifts to all floors.
Take the lift to level three, and as you leave the lift you are in the reception area of Ward 37.
Further information
ICU Steps
ICU Steps is the United Kingdoms only support group for people who have been affected by critical illness and has helped many former patients and their relatives.
It was developed to provide on-going support during and after discharge for these patients. The group is run by former patients, relatives and health professionals.
Information regarding the drop in sessions and ICU steps itself can be found at: www.icusteps.org
North of England Critical Care Network
Tel: 01642 624 328
Contact us
Tel: 0191 223 1176
