A modern burns unit

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Surgery
• Trauma Care

Background:

• The establishment of a dedicated Burns Unit in 1961 marked a significant advancement in specialized care.
• The relocation to Hvidovre Hospital integrated burn treatment with other medical specialties within a university hospital setting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the operational plan and treatment principles of a specialized Burns Unit.
• To highlight the unit's role as a centralized Burns Centre serving a broad demographic.

Main Methods:

• The Burns Unit operates within a plastic surgery department, comprising 35 beds, including 7 intensive care unit beds.
• An extensive out-patient service caters to both burn and plastic surgery cases.
• Acute burn patients receive immediate care in a dedicated emergency ward equipped for flushing and corrosion treatment.

Main Results:

• The unit has evolved into a comprehensive facility offering both inpatient and outpatient services.
• A significant proportion of patients now originate from outside the immediate Copenhagen area, underscoring its regional importance.
• The unit continues its tradition of functioning as a centralized and specialized Burns Centre.

Conclusions:

• The Burns Unit at Hvidovre Hospital provides specialized, integrated care for burn and plastic surgery patients.
• Its capacity for intensive care and extensive outpatient services ensures comprehensive management.
• The unit's established role as a centralized Burns Centre is maintained, serving a wide patient population.