Inpatient Care: Staying at Hillingdon Hospital
If your condition requires admission, you will be cared for by our dedicated respiratory inpatient team. Our aim is to provide a safe, calm, and supportive environment where your recovery, comfort, and dignity are our priorities.
The Acute Respiratory Care Unit (ARCU)
Most patients with breathing problems are cared for on our specialist ward, the Acute Respiratory Care Unit (ARCU). This unit is specifically designed for adults who need closer monitoring and advanced respiratory support.
What you can expect on ARCU
- Close Monitoring: We use specialist equipment to track your breathing, oxygen levels, and heart rate 24/7, allowing our team to respond promptly to any changes.
- An experienced Clinical Team: You will be reviewed regularly by our Consultant Respiratory Physicians and cared for by nurses specially trained in acute respiratory medicine.
- Physiotherapy and Recovery: Our physiotherapists provide techniques to help clear your lungs and guide gentle movement to aid your physical recovery.
Specialist breathing support
For some patients on our Acute Respiratory Care Unit (ARCU), standard oxygen therapy is not enough to help them breathe comfortably. In these cases, we use:
- Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV): A treatment using a machine and a comfortable face mask to help move air in and out of your lungs. It is often used for COPD flare-ups and does not require a breathing tube
- High-Flow Oxygen Therapy: Delivers warm, humidified oxygen through soft nasal tubes. It is often more comfortable than a traditional mask and helps reduce dryness in the nose and throat.
Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV)
Our NIV service is led by Dr Mamoun Ibrahim and supported by a dedicated Nurse Educator Sophie Tenant to ensure the highest standards of safety.
What is NIV?
NIV is a way of supporting your lungs using a specialist machine and a soft, snug-fitting face mask. Unlike other types of ventilation, it does not require a breathing tube in your throat. This means you can stay awake, speak to our team, and often drink or eat during breaks in treatment.
How does it help?
Takes the 'work' out of breathing. The machine pushes a gentle flow of air into your lungs, giving your tired breathing muscles a rest.
Clears waste gases. It helps your body get rid of carbon dioxide, which can build up when you are unwell (especially during COPD flare-ups).
Increases comfort. By supporting every breath you take, it reduces that 'gasping' feeling of breathlessness.
Your safety and care
We understand that wearing a mask can feel strange at first. To keep you safe and comfortable, we have:
- Monitored Beds. Patients using NIV are cared for in our specially equipped monitored beds, where we can track your progress 24/7 on a screen.
- Expert Nursing. Our nurses are highly experienced and undergo regular, up-to-date competency training. They will be by your side to help you adjust to the mask and the machine's rhythm.
- Personalised settings. The machine is tuned by your consultant and nurses to match exactly what your lungs need at that moment.
Information for family and friends
- Location: Hillingdon Hospital
- Ward contact: 01895 279284
- Visiting hours: 10am-8pm. Please check with staff for current infection control guidance
What to bring for your stay
- Important - Any home breathing equipment you already use, such as CPAP or NIV machines.
- All your current inhalers
- Comfortable nightwear and non-slip slippers