Intensive Care Unit recognised for high quality patient care
The Intensive Care Unit at Tunbridge Wells Hospital (part of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust) has become the first in the country to gain accreditation under the international HU-CI and AENOR Certification of Good Practices in Humanization of Intensive Care at an event on 23 January, demonstrating the Trust’s commitment to outstanding care.
Intensive care units care for people with serious and life-threatening conditions, with specialist doctors and nurses, as well as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, dietetics and clinical psychology teams who all support patients with their long-term recovery.
The certification shows the Trust’s commitment to a high standard of practice, which includes providing person-centred, holistic care to patients and their families, in line with the requirements set by HU-CI.
One example is the unit’s visiting policy; the unit at Tunbridge Wells is the only one in the UK where a nominated next of kin can visit 24 hours a day, seven days a week, giving them unlimited time with the patient, as well as allowing them to visit at a time most convenient for them.
Hospitals with HU-CI certification have seen a reduction in patients’ length of stay in intensive care, and a decrease in the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Research has also shown a fall in the number of patients discharged to a care home or rehabilitation facility, helping them get home more quickly.
Dr Gabriel Heras de Calle, Director of the HU-CI Project, presented a commemorative plaque alongside colleague, Dr Gemma Via. Guests were then able to see some of the many interventions used in intensive care including a ‘magic table’ – an interactive projection machine funded by the MTW Hospitals Charity which provides sensory activities encouraging movement and mental stimulation – as well as digital windows to simulate natural daylight.
Visitors also met Benson, one of the unit’s Pets as Therapy dogs, who visits weekly and is warmly welcomed by patients, families and staff alike.
Dr Gabriel Heras de Calle, Director of the HU-CI Project, said: “there are 18 HUCI-certified units worldwide and we are delighted to congratulate Tunbridge Wells Hospital on being the first in the UK to achieve this status. It is not an easy process and the team achieved this in just five months; faster than any other hospital. This is testament to the enthusiasm and dedication of the team, and a reflection of the great work already being done.”
Dr Gemma Via added: “Humanisation in healthcare is about creating an environment where patients feel seen, heard, and valued as individuals. It’s about recognising that, in the most vulnerable moments of life, compassion and dignity can make all the difference. This certification not only reflects the team’s clinical excellence but also their ability to connect with the people who place their trust in them.”
The Trust’s Chief Executive, Miles Scott said: “One of our Trust values is “patient first” and this certification demonstrates just that – clinical excellence combined with patient-centred care. To be the first in the country to receive this recognition is a huge achievement, and this reflects and celebrates the dedication of our intensive care teams who work so hard every day to provide the very best care to our patients.”
(main picture, l-r: Alex Marques, ICU Matron at Tunbridge Wells Hospital; Dr Gabriel Heras de la Calle, HU-CI Project Director; Lucy Gosnell, ICU Senior Sister; Gemma Via, HU-CI Project; and Alejandro Suarez, ICU Matron at Tunbridge Wells Hospital).