Our Paediatric High Dependency Unit (PHDU) provides specialist care for babies, children and young people from birth to 16 years of age who require closer monitoring and enhanced support that cannot be provided on a general children's ward.
The unit has six dedicated high dependency beds that are staffed by a team of experienced paediatric nurses, with support from a multidisciplinary team that comprises of doctors, physiotherapists, dieticians or clinical nurse specialists.
We deliver 24-hour care for children with a wide range of medical and surgical conditions, offering continuous monitoring and advanced treatments in a safe and family-centred environment.
What to expect during your admission
On arrival to the unit, a nurse will carry out an initial assessment including observations. Patients are seen as a priority by our medical team and a plan of care will be agreed and communicated to you.
Routine hourly observations will be completed for all children. Some children may require more frequent observations in accordance with their medical needs. Children may also require additional investigations and treatment that the team will make you aware of as required.
Our team works closely with families, recognising the important role parents and carers play in their child's care. We are committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care while supporting children and their families throughout their hospital stay.
The PHDU offers:
- six high dependency beds
- care for children and young people aged 0-16 years
- 24-hour specialist paediatric nursing and medical care
- advanced monitoring and equipment
- family-centred approach to care
- close collaboration with specialist paediatric teams and regional services
Our aim is to ensure that every child receives the highest standard of care, helping them recover safely while providing reassurance and support to their families
Children may be admitted to the PHDU from:
- The Emergency Department (ED) Birmingham Heartlands / Good Hope Hospital
- The Paediatric Assessment Unit (PAU) Birmingham Heartlands
- The Children Assessment Unit (CAU) Good Hope Hospital
- Inpatient wards when close monitoring and an enhanced level of care is required
- Outpatient and specialist clinics following assessment
Staffing
The nurse/patient ratio is 1:2. All the staff working within the PHDU team are very experienced and have undertaken Paediatric High Dependency and/or intensive care training.
Our medical team provides dedicated ward rounds once a day, followed by 24 hour reviews, assessment and care planning for all patients as required.
Across all our ward areas, we work with our colleagues in the play team and catering to make your child’s stay as comfortable as possible. Please ask if you need assistance with play activities or nutrition and hydration while you are with us.
Escalation of support
If your child’s condition requires intensive care, a doctor will discuss this with you. We will liaise with our intensive care team and our paediatric intensive care colleagues at Birmingham Children’s Hospital to ensure that the most appropriate care is offered to you and your child, including transfer to a paediatric intensive care unit at another hospital.
If you wish to discuss any aspect of your child’s care please ask to speak to the ward manager, on-call senior nurse or consultant on duty.
Leaving the PHDU
During their stay in PHDU, your child required closer monitoring and additional support due to the seriousness of their illness or condition. The decision to transfer your child from PHDU has been made by the medical and nursing team because they are showing signs of improvement and no longer require high-dependency care.
What happens next?
Your child will be transferred to a paediatric ward where they will continue to receive care and monitoring until they are ready to go home.
The ward team will:
- continue regular observations and assessments
- monitor your child's recovery and response to treatment
- review medications and ongoing care needs
- keep you informed about progress and discharge planning
It is common to feel worried about your child moving to the paediatric ward after their stay on PHDU. Please be assured that we will always make sure your child is ready before we move them. Ask one of our team if you have any questions or worries.
For some children and young people, following assessment by the medical and nursing team, it has been assessed that your child is now well enough to be discharged directly home.
This decision has been made because:
- your child's condition has improved and is stable
- they no longer require high-dependency monitoring or treatment
- the clinical team is satisfied that ongoing care can be safely managed at home
- appropriate follow-up arrangements have been made where required
A discharge letter will be given, which explains:
- why the child came to hospital
- what treatment was given
- a plan for further treatment at home if required
If you wish to discuss any aspect of your child’s care please ask to speak to the ward manager, on-call senior nurse or consultant on duty.
Last reviewed: 26 October 2026