The new High Acuity Unit (HAU) is opening at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, adding four new high acuity beds to the hospital, bringing the total number of high acuity and intensive care beds at the hospital to 24.
The unit is designed to help patients with serious health problems who need more care than provided in a regular hospital ward but less care than provided in an intensive care unit (ICU). Having both the ICU and HAU in one building strengthens the hospital critical-care team’s ability to care for their patients.
“This new High Acuity Unit is a vital part of building a stronger, more resilient health-care system for people in Nanaimo and the region,” said Minister of Infrastructure Bowinn Ma. “Investing in modern, purpose-built hospital infrastructure like this means patients with complex care needs receive integrated, high-quality care in a purpose-built area.”
The new HAU at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital includes:
- 12 patient beds in private rooms that offer more space, natural light and dedicated family rooms with sleeping areas and reclining chairs;
- dialysis capability, monitoring equipment, private bathrooms and ceiling lifts in each room; and
- a nurses’ station, medication room, utility rooms, linen alcove, nourishment centre, physician area, family consult room and staff washroom.
Located south of the emergency department and attached to the ICU, the HAU’s location allows shorter travel times for patients and staff, which is critical for patients with such complex care needs. The new HAU replaces the eight-bed temporary unit set up at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
