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Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Intensive care medicine
- More than 130 fully equipped intensive care beds
- Resident intensive care doctors on site 24/7
- Seamless admissions and transfers*
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INTENSIVE CARE MEDICINE AT HCA UK
Why choose us?
The Intensive Care Medicine department at HCA UK provides complex care, such as ventilation or circulatory support, for patients with life-threatening illnesses or injuries.
Our intensive care units are equipped with advanced medical technology and staffed by a highly trained team of healthcare professionals who are experts in managing critically ill patients with multiple serious conditions.
Our intensive care units are equipped with advanced medical technology and staffed by a highly trained team of healthcare professionals who are experts in managing critically ill patients with multiple serious conditions.
Our units have the capability, and our teams the expertise, to care for the full range of intensive care patients. This includes patients with cardiothoracic, neurological, hepato-biliary, and spinal problems as well as those with cancer, respiratory failure, severe infections and sepsis. We offer rapid access to our intensive care units, with the capacity to admit patients 24/7.
Our consultant intensivists provide 24-hour cover every day of the year, alongside highly trained and senior intensive care nurses on every shift, including nights and weekends.
Patients are looked after by a multi-disciplinary team of physiotherapists, dieticians, pharmacists and speech and language therapists, with support from psychologists and psychiatrists, according to need and availability. We also have the vital expertise of leading specialists in respiratory care, microbiology, and pain management.
Almost all patients rated our team’s pain management as ‘good’ or ‘very good’**.
Patients are looked after by a multi-disciplinary team of physiotherapists, dieticians, pharmacists and speech and language therapists, with support from psychologists and psychiatrists, according to need and availability. We also have the vital expertise of leading specialists in respiratory care, microbiology, and pain management.
Almost all patients rated our team’s pain management as ‘good’ or ‘very good’**.
Our intensive care units offer patients access to advanced technology in state-of-the-art facilities. This includes:
- Interventional radiology, CT and MRI scans
- Advanced hemodynamic monitoring
- Isolation rooms
- More than 130 fully equipped, level 2 and 3 intensive care beds across the HCA UK network
- Round-the-clock access to operating theatres, cardiac catheter labs, interventional radiology, and imaging for ventilated patients
We led the way in the independent sector in joining ICNARC, the national intensive care audit programme. We have a strong commitment to clinical governance and safety, carrying out quarterly and monthly reports to review patient safety, clinical effectiveness, patient experience, regulatory compliance and service development, with unrestricted access to state-of-the-art facilities and treatment.
In 2024 we had a mortality rate of 0.3% across our intensive care units***. We also had a readmissions rate of 0.08%****, which is a testament to the care and diligence of our teams in making sure our patients are well enough to leave before they’re discharged from our care.
Pioneering treatments
To support recovery in even the most complex cases
State-of-the-art facilities
Round-the-clock access to advanced care
Multi-disciplinary teams
Wide-ranging expertise focused on you
INTENSIVE CARE MEDICINE AT HCA UK
Expert-led care you can trust
Our intensive care services are designed to support patients and families through the most critical stages of illness or injury.
We offer expert-led care, seamless coordination, and a focus on recovery and rehabilitation, as well as access to exceptional support across a wide range of urgent and specialist needs.
We see the results every day, as do our patients – which is why 99% of them say they trust the care of our staff.
We offer expert-led care, seamless coordination, and a focus on recovery and rehabilitation, as well as access to exceptional support across a wide range of urgent and specialist needs.
We see the results every day, as do our patients – which is why 99% of them say they trust the care of our staff.
HCA UK Medical Concierge Centre
If you are looking to transfer to one of our private hospitals, our Medical Concierge Centre operates 24/7. We will help get you or a loved one safely and quickly in to one of our HCA Healthcare UK facilities.
Acting as a single point of contact between insurers, embassies and transportation services, we streamline the admission process.
Acute admissions
For acute, urgent unplanned medical or surgical admissions, our HCA acute admissions service has the capacity to directly admit patients 24 hours a day under the care of our on-call physicians and specialists.
This service is available across four of our London hospitals: The Wellington Hospital, The Lister Hospital, The Princess Grace Hospital and London Bridge Hospital, and in Birmingham at The Harborne Hospital.
For seamless transfers to our private hospitals 24/7, 365 days a year
- A single point of contact for time-sensitive hospital referrals
- We can arrange a transfer to any HCA UK private hospital
- Support in organising ambulance transportation
Rehabilitation intensive care
REHABILITATION AFTER CRITICAL ILLNESS OR INJURY
HCA UK experts explain the important role of therapeutic rehabilitation services in the intensive care unit (ICU).
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
If your baby needs extra support after birth due to prematurity, low birth weight or complications, our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) can give them the specialist care they need. Staffed 24/7 by expert neonatal consultants and nurses, our unit offers advanced monitoring, specialist treatment and a safe, supportive environment for you and your loved ones.
Paediatric intensive care (PICU)
HCA UK's Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) provides expert, round-the-clock care for critically ill children with complex or life-threatening conditions. Staffed by a team of paediatric specialists, nurses, and therapists, and equipped with the latest technology, our unit supports children who need intensive monitoring, organ support or post-surgical recovery in a calm, safe and child-friendly environment.
Where can I get access to intensive care?
We have dedicated intensive care unit teams at a range of locations across London and the UK.
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2FQ Birmingham
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly, all our private healthcare services, from private GP appointments to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
This includes post-surgery intensive care, which can be covered as part of your self-pay package if required.
To give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll provide a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay treatment plan.
what to expect
Supporting you and your loved ones
At HCA UK, we want you to feel as comfortable and reassured as possible. One of the ways we can put you at ease is to let you know what to expect at each stage of your time with us.
Whether you or your loved one arrive as an emergency admission, a transfer from another hospital, or are admitted to ICU following a major surgical procedure, our team is here to explain, support and provide the highest standard of care throughout your intensive care journey - from admission through to recovery.
Whether you or your loved one arrive as an emergency admission, a transfer from another hospital, or are admitted to ICU following a major surgical procedure, our team is here to explain, support and provide the highest standard of care throughout your intensive care journey - from admission through to recovery.
01
Admission
If you or your loved one needs intensive care – perhaps following surgery, or because of a sudden change in health while in one of our hospitals – our internal team will handle everything needed to arrange the move to intensive care.
If you’re transferring from another hospital, or from overseas, our dedicated Medical Concierge team (along with our International team, where needed) will coordinate the transfer and make sure everything runs smoothly.
If you’re coming to us for urgent treatment, you’ll need a referral from a consultant or GP. This can be arranged by contacting our Medical Concierge Centre.
02
Treatment and monitoring
Once in intensive care, you or your loved one will be looked after by a multidisciplinary team (one that covers a wide range of medical specialities). Using advanced technology, they’ll monitor and support every aspect of the patient’s health, which can include close observation, intervention, and treatment for more than one organ system.
If extra help is needed for recovery – or to prevent things from getting worse – we’ll continue to provide that support, with everything tailored to the specific needs of the patient.
03
Transfer into a hospital ward
When it’s time to move on from intensive care, we’ll arrange a transfer to a general hospital ward to continue the recovery process. We’ll only make that move when we’re confident the time is right– patient safety and wellbeing will always come first.
04
Ongoing care
On the day of the transfer, a senior nurse from our outreach team will check in for a progress update and to make sure that recovery is continuing as expected. Expert support will be on hand every step of the way.
05
Discharge from hospital
Once our team is happy that you or your loved one is well enough to go home, we’ll make all the arrangements for the discharge. For any follow-up care, we’ll give clear information on what to expect next, so that you and your family will have the support you need.
Intensive care medicine FAQs
Patients in intensive care may need support for vital organs such as the heart, lungs, liver or kidneys. Some people stay just a few days to recover from surgery or illness, while others may need a longer stay, sometimes several weeks or more, depending on their condition.
Patients can be treated in our intensive care units across London at London Bridge Hospital (main hospital and Private Care at Guy’s), The Wellington Hospital, The Princess Grace Hospital and The Lister Hospital, and in Birmingham at The Harborne Hospital. Our paediatric intensive care unit and neonatal intensive care unit can be found at The Portland Hospital in London.
Many patients stay with us after major surgery, but we also care for people with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
- Complications following surgery
- Respiratory conditions (such as pneumonia or COPD)
- Cardiovascular conditions such as heart failure, arrhythmia, pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis
- Neurological conditions such as seizures or acute confusion
- Gastrointestinal, liver and HPB conditions, including acute biliary problems, acute appendicitis, and intestinal obstruction
- General medical conditions such as acute infections, worsening diabetes, and geriatric conditions
- Acute and chronic liver failure
- Acute and chronic renal failure, with dialysis provided as needed
For admissions outside planned surgery such as transfers and acute admissions in the UK and abroad, these are managed by our medical concierge and international teams. Some admissions may require a referral from a patient’s GP or consultant into the Medical Concierge Centre. For any queries, please contact the Medical Concierge Team on 020 3993 5775.
If you or your loved one needs urgent care or transfer from another hospital – either in the UK or from overseas – our Medical Concierge Centre will coordinate everything. For some admissions, a referral from your GP or consultant may be required. If you’re unsure, our concierge team can guide you through the next steps.
We’re experienced in looking after patients from all over the world. Whether you have international private medical insurance (IPMI) or are paying for care yourself, our Medical Concierge Centre can manage the entire process. With just one call, they’ll organise everything, from the transfer itself to placing you in the most suitable unit for your needs.
We do our best to be flexible with visiting times while making sure our patients stay safe and get the care they need. Usually, up to two visitors can be at the bedside at one time, and overnight stays aren’t permitted.
We ask that visitors don’t come in if they’re feeling unwell. If you’re planning to bring children, please speak to the intensive care nurse first. If you need special visiting arrangements, we’ll always try to accommodate you – just ask to speak with the nurse in charge.
We understand how stressful it can be to organise care away from home. That’s why we offer a full range of services to support international patients and their families – from interpreters and prayer rooms to help with travel, accommodation, and admissions. We can even arrange transport back home after discharge.
To find out more, just contact our international team on 020 7234 2459.
Data sources:
*Via HCA UK’s Medical Concierge Centre
**99% of patients rated pain management as ‘good’ or ‘very good’ in our 2024 HCA UK hospitals patient satisfaction survey.
***HCA UK patient experience data, 2024
****HCA UK clinical informatics data, 2024
“
A huge thank you... From the front desk to the ICU nurses to the catering and nursing on the ward, the hospital is wonderful. We felt we were always in the best possible hands.
”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.