Higher Observation Area opens at Leeds General Infirmary

I&G developed a purpose-built enhanced care Higher Observation Area (HOBS) within the Neuroscience department at Leeds General Infirmary on L25.

Enhanced care is a service provided to adults who need a higher level of observation, monitoring and interventions, offering an intermediate level of care between a general ward and High Dependency Unit. For Neurosciences, this applies to elective and acute admissions for Neurosurgery and Spinal Surgery.

The HOBS will create additional capacity on Adult Critical Care, at a time when the hospital faces unprecedented pressures on beds and will significantly reduce elective waiting lists and on the day surgical cancellations.

The project had an extremely short timeframe and saw collaboration across multiple teams. It’s testament to the hard work and strong relationship with the Trust built on trust and communication, to ensure the unit was open before Christmas and the winter pressure period.

Corporate Planning Manager for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Gemma Newlove said:

“Illingworth & Gregory have done a sterling job in such a short time. To put the scheme into perspective, four patients had their spinal operations before Christmas, which had this unit not been opened, would more than likely have been cancelled due to the lack of appropriate beds and pressure on the department.”