Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) may also be called a Critical Care Unit (CCU).

This is a 14-bed unit for advanced care of the critically ill patient located on the second floor of the hospital.

The Intensive Care Unit may have different names, but it exists for one purpose: to provide special intensive care and treatment for people who are very seriously or critically ill or injured.  The unit also provides close monitoring of patients whose conditions are unstable or unpredictable.

The goal of the intensive care unit is to help patients through a life-threatening event, and to help them recover sufficiently to return home to a normal life.

What makes the intensive care unit special is the unique blend of sophisticated equipment, skilled staff, and teamwork.  Specially trained teams of doctors, nurses, therapists, technicians, social workers and others are experienced in the care of the critically ill and injured patient.  The unit has around the clock 24-hour emergency access to hospital support services such as laboratory, pharmacy, and operating room.  Specialized equipment is available to monitor and support organ systems, which may not be functioning normally.  There is a well-synchronized team approach involving collaboration between doctors, nurses and other professionals.  A highly structured environment with many rules and routines ensures proper and through care of patients.

The intensive care nurse has special training and clinical skills in the care of the critically ill and injured. The  intensive care nurse spends the majority of her/his time with the patient.  Nurses know the patient best, and frequently get to know the family best.  To ensure continuity of care the same nurse maybe assigned to care for a patient throughout their intensive care stay.

The Social Worker (Case Manager) is assigned to the intensive care unit.  The Social Worker is an expert in helping the patient and family members help understand and adjust to the patient’s condition.  If the Social Worker cannot provide for the special needs, they can very often direct the family to someone who can.

The Chaplain or Pastoral Care Worker is available to comfort family members, helping to find meaning in religion at a difficult time.  The hospital can also arrange for a visit from clergy of the family’s own denomination.

The intensive care staff recognizes the family’s contribution to the patient’s recovery.  They also know that the family needs support, reassurance and information.  There are specific visiting hours for the intensive care.  The staff may permit an unscheduled or an extended visit from time to time.  At other times, however, there may be very good reason why it would be better to be away from the bedside.  The patient may be resting and is better left undisturbed, or special treatments are being done.  The unit staff will try to accommodate each patient’s and family’s needs.  As with all intensive care units patient care comes first.