No matter if you’re a visitor or patient, it helps to know what to expect when visiting a ward. 

For starters, there are various different types of wards, including:

• General Wards, which are for patients needing routine hospital care, such as post-surgery recovery, or general medical issues. 

• Specialist Wards. These focus on specific medical areas such as cardiology, orthopaedics, neurology, or maternity.

• Acute & High Dependency Units (HDU), for patients needing closer monitoring but not as intensive as ICU.

• Intensive Care Unit (ICU). These wards are for critically ill patients requiring constant monitoring and life support.

• Surgical Wards for pre- and post-operation care.

• Isolation Wards, for patients with infectious diseases to prevent the spread of illness.

• Mental Health Wards. This is where patients requiring psychiatric care and crisis management are.

When preparing to go into a ward, it’s important to know what to expect. Our information below will help you prepare and the type of staff you’re likely to encounter. 

Staying in a hospital ward can be challenging. However, knowing what to expect and how to prepare can make it easier. If you’re feeling anxious about your stay or visit, let hospital staff know—they’re there to help.