We reviewed 68 cases of oral and oropharyngeal cancer that were managed without the routine use of intensive care units (ICU), to establish success rates for flaps, complications including nosocomial infections, cancellations, and length of stay. More than 98% of flaps survived and over half the patients had no complications. Low rates of perioperative infection were recorded with a median length of stay of 12 days (range 2-63), and there were no cancellations. We conclude that the routine use of a specialist head and neck ward is more appropriate than ICU for selected cases; it fulfils current guidelines for cancer services, and is an effective use of resources.