[1] 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.
[2][3] The number of staff per patient will be higher than the associated acute ward, but may be lower than levels at a PICU.
According to the guidelines for the operation of mental health high-dependency units in Queensland Mental Health Act 2000, HDU can be defined as "a separate potentially lockable area within a mental health inpatient facility, designed to provide for the safe management of involuntary patients requiring a higher level of individual care.
People in HDUs need more intensive treatment, observation, nursing care, increased level of supervision and intervention in a safe environment.
Patient spending time in HDU varies depending on the nature of their illnesses and demands.