Ward

How it is used

Wards are named by specialty (surgical ward, children's ward) or by number or name. Nurses work 'on' a ward: 'I work on Ward 7'. 'Unit' is used for specialist areas (intensive care unit), and US hospitals often say 'floor': 'She's going up to the floor.'

Example sentences

1. She was moved from the emergency department to the surgical ward last night.

2. The ward is full, so the new patient will have to wait in A&E.

Common collocations

• on the ward
• surgical ward
• ward manager
• ward staff
• transfer to the ward

Related terms

• ward roundA regular visit by doctors, often with nurses and other staff, to each patient on a ward to review their progress and decide on the plan for the day.
• charge nurseThe nurse who leads a ward or unit during a shift: organising staff, allocating patients and dealing with problems and emergencies.
• admissionThe process of accepting a patient into hospital or onto a ward, including the first checks and paperwork.
• visiting hoursThe times of day when friends and family are allowed to visit patients on a ward.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

• ward · Medicine
• ward · Healthcare Management

More terms: Ward Routines and Handover

• handover
• shift
• discharge
• check on
• SBAR