League of Friends fund critical care transfer trolley

A critical care transfer trolley to benefit patients from the High Dependency Unit (HDU) at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital has been purchased by The League of Friends.

HDU is designed for patients who have undergone complicated orthopaedic surgery or those who have been identified who may require closer nursing care.

The team also provide care to patients who are being nursed on the general wards and their condition is deteriorating or are causing concern.

The new critical care transfer trolley, which cost £11,000, will be used for patients requiring both high dependency and intensive care hospital transfers.

The trolley will provide benefits for both staff and patients as it ensures the transfer process is much quicker and safer.

Lowri Mansell, HDU Manager, said: “The introduction of the critical care trolley - which is a purpose-built mobile intensive care bed - will contribute to a significant reduction in the transfer times to specialist care for critically ill patients. 

“It will enable ambulance and air ambulance crews to transfer patients quickly and easily with no need to disconnect vital life-supporting equipment, significantly reducing the risk of complications.”

The purchase is part of the work RJAH is doing to celebrate Experience of Care Week, an international event supported by NHS England and NHS Improvement that highlights continuous improvements around patient care.

Lowri added: “Patients have been transferred safely for many years but efforts are always ongoing to improve and develop services for patients. 

“The team recognised the need for enhancing the safety of patients and staff, and are extremely grateful to the League of friends for their support in allowing us to source a trolley”.

Victoria Sugden, League of Friends Charity Director, said: “When patients need to be transferred it is vital that they are moved with the upmost of comfort and dignity.

“The League of Friends is more than pleased to purchase such an important piece of equipment.”