High-dependency care: developing a joint surgical recovery unit.

Abstract

High-dependency care is a rapidly expanding specialty. The focus of this article will be on the joint development between military and NHS staff of a surgical recovery unit offering high-dependency care to patients following major surgery. Pitfalls, benefits and indicative points to be learnt from this development will be identified. In addition, the staff training necessary and learning opportunities available will be highlighted. The position of the unit one year after opening, and future plans, are outlined. Throughout the development of the unit it became clear that an organized, well-established plan of action was needed. Staffing must be in place at the earliest opportunity and appropriate staff training is essential with adequate support from the relevant areas being imperative. Communication is the key to the efficient functioning of the unit. It is clear that an area never ceases to develop as the findings of this article show. Further collection and auditing of data are essential in the future to ensure a useful, viable, quality service.