Obese wards reduce pressure on AMUs

Obese wards reduce pressure on AMUs by taking some of the patient intake. Formal and routine identification of risk factors associated with obesity at initial presentation allows appropriate action to be taken to ensure appropriate management and communication to all involved in care. The more efficient management of obese patients reduces strain on AMUs.

Proposed workforce impact

• Nurses and consultants are needed to man the obese wards.
• Nurses and consultants may need to have generalist knowledge as well as knowledge in dealing with obese patients with co-morbidities and elderly patients, with co-morbidities.

Sources or references

• rcseng.ac.uk/news/docs/bulletin-article-inadequate-provision-of-care-for-morbidly-obese-patients-in-uk-hospitals/at_download/file

Additional research questions

• Who staffs the obese wards?
• Does this just shift the demand from one place to another?

Some of the information in this section is provided by stakeholders and expert groups, and does not necessarily represent the views of the CfWI.