Hospital ICU achieves international recognition

The intensive care unit at Tunbridge Wells Hospital is the first in England to gain accreditation by the international body

An intensive care unit (ICU) in Kent has become the first in England to be accredited by an international body for the care it offers patients.

The unit at Tunbridge Wells Hospital - part of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) - has been recognised under the international Certification of Good Practices in Humanization of Intensive Care (HU-CI project).

Tunbridge Wells is one of only 18 units to receive this certification worldwide.

Dr Gemma Via from HU-CI said: "Humanisation in healthcare is about creating an environment where patients feel seen, heard, and valued as individuals."

Intensive care units look after people with serious and life-threatening conditions, with specialist doctors and nurses supporting patients with long-term recovery.

The HU-CI project said it evaluated different aspects of care and the MTW team scored an "excellent" rating across 160 standards, "setting a benchmark for hospitals across Europe".

Lucy Gosnell, ICU senior sister, said: "With enhanced rehabilitation practices that start from the patient's admission in intensive care, not only do we see better survival but we see better patient outcomes, and they return to a better quality of life afterwards."

Lucy Gosnell, ICU senior sister at Tunbridge Wells Hospital, said patients benefitted from enhanced rehabilitation practices

The trust said hospitals with HU-CI certification have seen a reduction in patients' lengths 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, it added.

The Tunbridge Wells unit allows a nominated next-of-kin to visit 24 hours a day, seven days a week, giving them unlimited time with the patient and allowing them to visit at a convenient time.

The trust said it was the only unit in the UK to offer this.

Dr Gabriel Heras de Calle, director of the project, said: "This is testament to the enthusiasm and dedication of the team, and a reflection of the great work already being done."

The trust's chief executive, Miles Scott, said: "One of our trust's values is 'patient first' and this certification demonstrates just that – clinical excellence combined with patient-centred care."