A new High Dependency Unit (HDU) at Wellington Regional Hospital for patients needing critical care was officially opened by Minister of Health, Hon Simeon Brown, recently.
The 12-bed unit, installed with the latest in critical care equipment, will be ready for patients by the end of March 2025.
The HDU will relieve pressure from both the Intensive Care Unit and the Emergency Department as well as boost critical care services for people across the region.
In addition, it will provide support for patients in the Lower North Island and Upper South Island who require critical care services after major surgery, but not the same level of care as intensive care patients.
In his official announcement Minister Brown says expanding critical care capacity and ensuring that patients are cared for in the right environment will free up bed availability and help to improve hospital flow from the emergency department, while also reducing the need to postpone planned surgeries.
“This is key to achieving the Government’s health target for shorter stays in emergency departments and shorter wait times for elective treatment,” he says.
Improving health infrastructure is a priority for the Government to enable access to timely, quality healthcare.
The HDU is located on Level 5 of the main hospital building. It is accessible via the orange lifts.
Read the official announcement from Minister Brown here.
