Publish date: 10 April 2024
We have opened a new intensive care unit that will provide critically unwell patients with improved technology and an enhanced environment to support their recovery and rehabilitation.
The new unit now offers private and more natural lighting providing patients with quieter, more private spaces flooded with natural light to support recovery and rehabilitation.
Clinical Director for Critical Care Services, Dr Muriel Prager said:
“It really does give me great pleasure and joy to see our new Intensive Care Unit become operational this month. The ability to provide modern, state of the art Critical Care Services right here on our island, for residents and visitors alike, has always been one of the top priorities of our Trust.
“Throughout the history of healthcare on the Isle of Wight, tremendous resources have been invested into that goal. Much has been achieved, over many years and now we have reached another milestone in that ongoing endeavour.
“Our well designed, modern new unit is equipped with all the latest, cutting edge medical technology. But most importantly, we continue to be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the most caring, and most competent staff anyone could wish for.
“It is a reassuring thought for our entire island community, that no matter how severe a medical condition may be, a world class team of compassionate Nurses, Doctors and allied health care professionals are here to help them through even the hardest of times.”
Former intensive care unit patient, Louise Timoney, was invited by the critical care team to officially opened the new intensive care unit at St Mary’s Hospital and used the opportunity to present the team with a cheque for £5,000 that Louise and her work colleagues have fundraised for the unit.
Louise said: “St Mary's ICU and all past and present staff hold a special place in my heart. In late 2016, at just 17, I was admitted to the ward. Without the hard work of all the team including doctors, nurses, care assistants, cleaners, physios and dieticians, I wouldn't be where I am today.
“In 2021 my workplace, GKN Aerospace, offered us apprentices an opportunity to give back to our community, the ICU instantly sprung to my mind, from my personal experience and the support they provided to the community during the pandemic. We decided to set ourselves a fundraising target of £3,000 to give the relatives' room a makeover.
“We smashed our target and raised just under £5,000 through a number of fundraising events. This coincided with amazing news that work was beginning to extend and update the ICU, so a halt was put on the project while work was completed. It is fantastic to see the transformation and I can’t wait to see how the funds will enhance the two new relatives rooms even further.”
The opening of the new intensive care unit is the latest milestone in the Trust’s Investment In Our Future programme, a once-in-a-generation multi-million pound investment into the island’s NHS services.
Chief Officer, Joe Smyth said: “It is incredible to see the transformation that has been made to our intensive care unit. The improvements we have made will make a real difference to our patients who require the most critical care as well as the staff caring for them.”
