There are times when a patient needs care in our intensive care unit (ICU) following major surgery or due to a sudden deterioration in their health. At ITSSH’s ICU, we all share the same goal: to help patients and their families through a difficult time. It can be an anxious time for families so we aim to create a surrounding of calm and confidence.
The ITSSH’s ICU is located on first floor of front building. Directions can be obtained from the main reception.
ITSSH’s ICU has a long standing expertise in the management of patients after open heart surgery and also manages a wide mix of patients after other complex surgery. The number of medical patients is also on the rise with an increasingly busy emergency department.
About the ICU environment
The environment in which we care for patients and their families is highly technical. Much of the sophisticated equipment used in the ICU has alarms or flashing lights. Some have both which may sound and flash for a variety of reasons and for different levels of alarm, from very low to high alert. There is no need to be frightened: they are there to attract the attention of staff members. ITSSH’s ICU provides care for 22 patients at any one time. It operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
There are doctors in the intensive care unit 24 hours a day. Intensive care specialists lead the ICU medical team. They work with the surgeon, referring physician or specialist. Registrar doctors support the consultants. The doctors formally see patients twice daily on rounds and continually review patients throughout the day and night. The medical staff are available to discuss issues with you at your request.
Please make your nurse aware if you would like to speak with the medical staff. The nurses in intensive care are qualified critical care nurses or nurses undertaking specialty training in critical care. Nursing staff will keep you informed about your family member’s condition, therapy and progress.
Visiting a patient in ICU
We understand that families will want to see their relative or friend as soon as possible. However, patients who arrive at ICU from the operating theater must first be transferred onto the ICU equipment, settled, and then be assessed by ICU staff. In some cases, diagnostic tests (such as x-rays) need to be completed before anyone is able to visit.
For your comfort
A waiting room is located near ICU. Tea and coffee making facilities, a television, and information leaflets are available. Toilets are located nearby. .
Transfer out of ICU
Generally discharge from ICU to another ward is planned and it occurs during the day. Occasionally it may be necessary to discharge a patient quickly at night time due to emergency admissions. This only occurs if it is safe to do so, and the family will be contacted the next morning if this has happened.