Common use of High Dependency Units Clause in Contracts

High Dependency Units. (a) A High Dependency Unit (HDU) (howsoever described) is a separate and designated area within an in-patient unit that has the potential to be locked and used as a therapeutic intervention for a patient/client requiring increased observation, supervision and support. (b) The premise behind a patient/client being placed in a HDU is that a 'significant risk' or 'significant disruption' exists. The description of 'significant' is to be considered in the context of the normal level or levels of acuity within the main ▇▇▇▇ environment of the in-patient unit. (c) The staffing allocation in clause 59.2 includes High Dependency Units. (d) Each Employer who operates a HDU will be required to adhere to health and safety standards and requirements for Employees working within a HDU. (e) Local HDU policies and/or agreements shall include (but are not limited to) the following health and safety principles: (i) At least two nurses shall be allocated/rostered to a HDU when there are four or more patients in the HDU, unless determined by the Shift Leader as being clinically unwarranted. (ii) Additional staff may be engaged in accordance with the local HDU policies and agreements. (iii) The number of patients/clients being supported in a HDU should be consistent with the number of available beds, other than in exceptional circumstances. (iv) Staff rostered in a HDU should have appropriate training and experience as a Psychiatric Nurse and expertise in all aspects of prevention and management of aggression. (v) Where practicable, the Employer shall not use casual or agency staff in a HDU, unless such staff are sufficiently trained and experienced. (vi) The Employer must not roster or allocate student nurses to a HDU; (vii) Staff should only be rostered/allocated to HDU for periods of up to 4 hours per shift unless otherwise agreed between the individual nurse and the Shift Leader.