GLOUCESTERSHIRE Royal Hospital will benefit from a new Department of Critical Care, as work begins to replace the existing unit.

The new department will provide specialist care for patients with life-threatening illnesses or injuries, including severe infections, major trauma and those recovering from complex surgery.

It is expected to care for more than 1500 patients each year and will be run by a multi-disciplinary team of specialist doctors, nurses, therapists, technicians and support staff.

Kevin McNamara, Chief Executive of Gloucestershire NHS Foundation Trust said: "This new facility reflects one of the Trust's strategic ambitions to improve our care environments.

"The new Department of Critical Care will provide a state-of-the-art unit for some of our most vulnerable patients and help ensure we can meet the needs of both today's population and future generations."

The Trust said the unit will provide a safer, more efficient environment with modern equipment and technology, initially having 24 critical care beds with space to expand to 36 in the future.

The department will include specialist isolation rooms with specialised ventilation systems, allowing patients who are infectious or particularly vulnerable to infection to be cared for safely.

Dr Simon Webster, Consultant in Critical Care said: "From increased natural light and improved ventilation to the latest monitoring equipment and better facilities for visitors, the new department has been designed to meet the needs of Gloucestershire's population for many years to come."

Deborah Elliott and Debbie Seal, Matrons for Critical Care, said: "We are delighted that our new critical care unit will support us to deliver the highest standards of care for our community at what is often a very difficult time for patients and their loved ones."

The Trust said while some disruption may occur while work gets underway, it is being carefully planned and managed to minimise any impact on patients, staff and services.