- Quick overview on how the Neonatal Units at John Radcliffe Hospital are organized -
Oxford is the highest level (3) Centre of Excellence in Newborn Care. It is located in the John Radcliffe Hospital Women’s Centre. The unit is divided into three different areas depending on the level of nursing the babies need.
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) looks after babies from extremely premature neonates, term neonates who have had difficult deliveries and babies with antenatally diagnosed conditions. A baby in NICU may require invasive respiratory support from a ventilator and complex medications. Once a baby is stable enough it will be transferred to its local unit or HDU or LDU if the family lives in Oxford.
This is where I spend most of my time observing the team. It is divided into two similar areas, each serving 8 patients: ACORN and BLOSSOM Side :-)
The Neonatal High Dependency Unit (HDU) looks after premature and term babies who do not need intensive care. A baby on HDU is cared for by a nurse who cares for up to two other patients, depending on the level of nursing care needed. So, the nurse will not be at the bedside continuously, but monitors displaying each babie's observations are visible at all times and will alert the nurses at to any problems.
The Neonatal Low Dependency Unit (LDU) looks after babies who no longer need ITU or HDU levels of care. Nursery nurses can care for up to four babies so will not be constantly at the bedside.
https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/children/services/newborn-care/
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