A new modern 16 bed intensive care unit (ICU) at the Royal United Hospitals Bath (RUH) has
welcomed its first patients.
The new ICU is expected to inhabit over 1000 patients a year and is jointly run by an
experienced group of specialist doctors and nurses, supported by therapists, technicians and
support staff. It will provide care for some of the sickest patients at the RUH, including those
recovering from major surgery, heart attacks and strokes or life-threatening infections such as
sepsis.
Ahead of officially opening, staff, donors and those closely involved in creating the new ICU
gathered to mark the successful completion of the project.
They were joined on the day by Bath Rugby player Tom Dunn, who has close links with the
RUH following his time as a volunteer at the hospital during the COVID epidemic.
Pictured from left to right: Bath Rugby player Tom Dunn, RUH Interim Managing Director Andrew Hollowood, Lead Nurse for Intensive Care and Critical Care Outreach Margi Jenkins and Consultant in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine Dr William Headdon
Margi Jenkins RUH Matron for Intensive Care and Critical Care Outreach said: “We’re delighted
our new ICU will support us to deliver the very highest standards of care for our community, at
what is often a very difficult time for the people we care for and their loved ones.”
The new unit includes ceiling mounted pendants to house equipment used to care for patients.
The majority of the pendants were funded by RUHX, the RUH’s official charity and Friends of
the RUH, an independent charity which also raises funds to provide facilities, support services
and equipment for the RUH.
Rhyannon Boyd, RUHX Associate Director said: “This is a proud collaboration between RUHX and the Friends of the RUH to enable the purchase of this new world-class ICU equipment at a cost of almost £225,000.”
Bernard Rymer, Chairman and Deputy Treasurer of Friends of the RUH said: “It’s been a real
privilege to join forces with RUHX to ensure our new ICU includes this equipment.
“The money we raise from the shop and café we run at the RUH allows us to target areas that
will provide the most benefit to patients and the hospital – whether that’s wall clocks for patients
with dementia, providing emergency toiletry packs for patients or funding significant pieces of
equipment such as the ICU pendants.”
The new ICU replaces an old existing ground floor unit and a temporary unit that was built to
provide additional support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bringing staff and services together
in one carefully designed space will ensure a safer and more efficient service, making much
better use of resources.
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