A neonatal High Dependency Unit (HDU) provides a high level of care and observation for babies who don't require intensive care but need more support than a standard nursery can offer.
Understanding Neonatal High Dependency Units (HDUs)
The HDU serves as an intermediate care area for newborns. It's a step down from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) but still provides specialized attention.
Key Characteristics of a Neonatal HDU
- Level of Care: HDUs offer a higher level of care and observation than standard neonatal units but less than intensive care. This means babies are closely monitored but may not need life support.
- Patient Population: Babies in HDU may have recently been in intensive care and are improving. They are getting closer to being well enough to go home.
- Environment: Some babies in HDU are in incubators to help regulate their temperature and protect them from infection, while others may be in open cots.
- Monitoring: Babies in the HDU are continually monitored.
Examples of babies who may require care in a Neonatal HDU:
- Babies born prematurely who require help with feeding and maintaining their body temperature.
- Babies who need continuous observation after being in NICU.
- Babies with minor respiratory issues needing additional oxygen.
- Babies requiring intravenous medication or fluids.
