In 2017, we raised £1.1m to help extend Harefield Hospital's Intensive Care Unit, which will treat an additional 250 critically ill patients each year, and to develop a state-of-the-art scanner centre

After a patient receives heart or lung surgery at Harefield Hospital, they are admitted to the Intensive Therapy Unit (also known as an Intensive Care Unit). The Unit is also where patients who are waiting for, or have undergone, transplantation or other surgical interventions stay.

The Unit formerly had 18 beds, most of which were occupied on an almost permanent basis. This created a challenge for accommodating new patients, and often resulted in operations being delayed.

Six new bedrooms were added to the Unit, with a new MRI/CT Scanner room (below right) also being funded as part of the appeal. The appeal was the Charity's second biggest ever, raising a huge total of £1.1million. 

The new rooms (above left) now give a larger amount of privacy for our patients, with dedicated nurses and side rooms, and access to fresh air and views over the local area via a new sun terrace. This will reduce waiting times, and has also enabled staff to accommodate an additional 250 critically ill patients each year. 

As part of the appeal, the Charity set up a virtual wall to allow fundraisers to 'sponsor a brick'. The wall is available to view online, here. 

Sue Mather, who is a Senior Nurse/Matron on the ward, said:

Not only will we be able to treat so many more patients, but little things like a far superior waiting room for families and better staff facilities are what make this project so game-changing. The expansion will make all the difference. I can’t put into words how thankful I am to everyone who donated.

Thank you for helping us make this happen