High dependency unit (mental health)

A High Dependency Unit (HDU) is an inpatient psychiatric ward, typically with only a small number of beds, attached to an acute admissions ward. It is intended to provide treatment for patients who cannot be managed safely on an acute (open) ward, but do not meet the threshold for admission to PICU. The number of staff per patient will be higher than the associated acute ward, but may be lower than levels at a PICU.