Intensive Care

The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has both Intensive Care and High Dependency beds. We have specialised staff and equipment to provide care for patients who have suffered a serious illness or have undergone major surgery. Our priority is to provide the best care for our patients within a supportive and friendly environment for both staff and patients.

Patient and Visitor Information

• What is an Intensive Care Unit

  An ICU is a part of a hospital that gives care to people who are critically ill. Patients in the ICU have serious health issues that can be life-threatening. They might:

  • have a serious injury
  • have a serious illness
  • be recovering from major surgery

  In the ICU, patients are closely monitored at all times, 24 hours a day, by teams of specialist health practitioners.

  The ICU is different from other hospital wards in that:

  • there are fewer beds
  • each bed has lots of equipment needed to care for very sick patients
  • fewer visitors are allowed
  • there are fewer patients for each nurse to look after

• Who We Care For

  The ICU cares for patients who are critically ill, meaning their body cannot sustain life without intensive treatment and monitoring. A wide variety of conditions can lead to critical illness.

  Patients typically fit into one of the following categories:

  • At high risk of deterioration, requiring intensive monitoring
  • Recovering after surgery
  • Requiring treatments or nursing care not available on a general ward
  • Experiencing an acute, potentially reversible illness requiring organ support

• What to Expect in the ICU

  Equipment and Monitoring

  You may notice machines, wires, and monitors attached to your loved one. While this can seem overwhelming, each piece of equipment is essential for supporting their recovery. Staff are available to explain the purpose of any equipment.

  Being with Your Loved One

  Patients may look or behave differently due to illness, medications, or lack of sleep. Changes may include weakness, swelling, bruising, discolouration, mood changes, or memory loss.

  • Talk to your loved one as you normally would, even if they cannot respond
  • Keep conversations light and simple
  • Consider keeping a diary to track events and updates for later reference
  • Ask nurses if you would like private time with your loved one

• Ward Rounds

  Medical staff conduct ward rounds each day, generally in the morning and late afternoon.

  During this time, you may be asked to leave whilst the doctor examines your loved one, decides the days plan and discuss progress. You’re welcome to use the waiting room facilities at this time.

  Updates can be organised with nursing and medical teams over the course of your family members admission.

• Visiting Hours

  Hospital visiting hours are 7:00am – 7:00pm

  Hours are informal in ICU however there is a rest period between 1:00pm and 3:00pm where visitors may be restricted. Rest and sleep are important to ICU Patients recovery.

  Two visitors per bedside at a time.

  Visiting is generally limited to immediate family members. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

  Always check with ICU staff for current visiting conditions.

• Patient Condition Enquiries

  ICU staff maintain strict patient confidentiality. Medical information is only provided to the patient’s next of kin (NOK) or nominated representatives.

  We suggest that 1 or 2 family members be nominated to act as a spokesperson on behalf of your family.

  We request the spokesperson be responsible for relaying information to family and friends.

  This will reduce interruptions to ICU and allow us to focus on caring for your loved ones.

• Infection Prevention

  • Please do not visit if you are unwell.
  • Hand hygiene and masks are encouraged on entry and exit.
  • No flowers are allowed at the bedside.
  • Visitors cannot eat in ICU; drinks such as water, tea, or coffee are allowed.
  • Telehealth video calls can be arranged if visiting is not possible.

• Patient Belongings

  • Bring toiletries, dentures, glasses, and hearing aids if required.
  • Bring medications or a current medication list if possible.
  • Do not bring valuables or money.

• Use of Mobile Phones and Electronic Devices in the ICU

  • Switch phones to silent mode. Please make calls outside of ICU.
  • Photography, video, or voice recording of patients and staff is strictly prohibited.
  • Ask ICU staff if you are unsure about device use.

• Looking After Yourself While a Loved One is in the ICU

  The ICU can feel like a daunting place for both for the patient and visitors. This can be due to the lines, tubes, wires and monitoring equipment at the bedside.

  Visiting the ICU can be stressful. Take breaks to rest and care for yourself.

  Your loved one continues to receive high-quality care even when you step away, and staff will contact you if there are significant changes.

• Patient Procedures in the ICU

  Please follow all instructions by your doctor before attending your procedure.

  Please call ICU at 07:30 the morning of you procedure to ensure it can still go ahead. Sometimes due to the unpredictability of ICU and bed availabilities your appointment may need to be reschedule to another day.