Adult Critical Care Unit (ACCU)
Do not visit if you are unwell
Please do not visit if you are feeling unwell or have any virus symptoms (increased temperature, diarrhoea, vomiting, etc).
The Adult Critical Care Unit (ACCU), commonly known as the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or the Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU), looks after patients who require constant monitoring and treatment where conditions may change quickly and be life-threatening.
The unit has 15 bed spaces, located on the A or B side.
All patients on arrival to ACCU will have a thorough assessment by the doctors and nurses.
During this time, relatives will be asked to wait in our reception area. A nurse will be with you as soon as your loved one’s condition has been stabilised.
A critical care bed space contains a lot of equipment and monitoring, which can appear quite daunting at first, and your nurse can explain their use if you wish to know.
The bedside nurse can answer any initial questions you have, and you will have ongoing opportunities to speak to doctors regarding your loved one’s condition and treatment plan.
Visiting
We understand how important it is for our patients to be supported by relatives while they are in our care. Please follow these guidelines for visiting:
- Visiting hours are daily from 2pm to 7pm.
- A maximum of two visitors at any one time at the patient bedside.
- For carers or visitors of patients who are receiving end-of-life care, special arrangements can be sought with the ACCU Nurse in Charge.
- Please do not visit if you are feeling unwell or have any virus symptoms (increased temperature, diarrhoea, vomiting, etc).
- Please be aware that during ward rounds or essential care and procedures, visitors may be asked to leave the bedside to prioritise the safety, privacy, and dignity of all patients on the ward.
- Spiritual support: If you would like to see a hospital chaplain, your minister or faith leader, we will be pleased to make arrangements for you. A Faith Centre is available for quiet reflection near the ACCU. Any member of the team will be able to direct you.
Concerns and questions
Although the circumstances surrounding your relative’s admission to ACCU are often traumatic and extremely stressful, we aim to provide you with excellent service within a safe and caring environment.
If, however, you feel you need to raise a concern about or question any aspect of your relative's admission with us, please speak to the nurse caring for your relative in the first instance. Following this, you may wish to contact the ACCU complex patient and family liaison team (Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm) or the ACCU nurse in charge at any time.
Patient Experience Team and complaints
The Patient Experience Team (incorporating Complaints and the Patient Advice Liaison Service) provides a confidential advice and information service. We are dedicated to listening to those who use our services, their carers, and their relatives. Your views are important to us and will enable the Trust to improve services.
Visit our Patient Experience Team page.
Useful resources
- Patient information leaflets
- Guide to intensive care - ICUsteps
- Information sheets - ICUsteps - on topics such as delirium, nutrition, and recovery.
- How to manage your energy levels - RCOT
Adult Critical Care Unit (ACCU)
Location
King’s Mill Hospital, ground floor.
Nearest Car Park
Car park 1 (main visitor car park)
Opening Hours
24/7. Visiting hours are between 2pm and 7pm.
Call
All enquires and appointments: (direct dial) 01623 672268.
A Side Nursing Station: 01623 622515, extension 4155 or 4156.
B Side Nursing Station: 01623 622515, extension 6127 or 6128.
Post To
Adult Critical Care Unit, King’s Mill Hospital, Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 4JL.
