ICU

Intensive care units (ICUs)

Back to Health A-Z. They're staffed with specially-trained healthcare professionals and contain sophisticated monitoring equipment. Intensive care is needed if someone is seriously ill and requires intensive treatment and close monitoring, or if they're having surgery and intensive care can help them recover. Most people on an ICU have problems with one or more organs.

For example, they may be unable to breathe on their own. There are many different conditions and situations that can mean someone needs intensive care. Patients on an ICU will be looked after closely by a team of ICU staff and will be connected to equipment by a number of tubes, wires and cables. There will normally be one nurse for every one or two patients.

This is because some of the equipment used can be uncomfortable. An ICU can often be an overwhelming place, both for the patient and their loved ones. It can therefore help to know a little about what to expect.

You'll usually be free to touch, comfort and talk to the person. Most ICUs are fairly large sterile areas with a high concentration of specialised, technical and monitoring equipment needed to care for critically ill patients. The ICU environment can be confronting for some patients and visitors who may find the activity, sounds, machines, tubes and monitors intimidating.

Your feelings and apprehension are understood by the staff that provide support for the people you care about. It can be a frightening and uncertain time for you, family and friends to see people you care about being monitored and supported by machines. In ICU you will see many patients connected to a heart monitor, others will be supported with breathing assistance from artificial ventilators, be on dialysis machines and receiving a variety of intravenous infusions via tubes and drips.

Be prepared to see lots of lines, tubes, wires and monitoring equipment.

Intensive care unit

Not all equipment alarms signal an emergency situation. Every ICU has a visitor policy to ensure the wellbeing of their patients. You will need to ask ICU hospital staff about their specific visiting hours and requirements. If you are feeling unwell or have an existing health condition you should reconsider visiting ICU or discuss your circumstances with ICU staff before you plan to visit. As intensive care patients are very vulnerable to infections, it is important that visitors wash their hands before entering ICU to prevent transferring infection.

Intensive care units (ICUs)

Mobile phones should be turned off in ICU as they may interfere with vital electrical equipment supporting patients. Admission to ICU because of critical illness or accident can have a huge physical and emotional impact on your life and your family. Some ICUs have a dedicated counsellor to provide support for patients and their families. These counsellors are highly experienced and have a thorough knowledge of ICU procedures. For many people, emotional and spiritual thoughts tend to surface when someone they care about is in a critical condition in hospital.

Many hospitals provide chaplaincy and pastoral counselling services for patients, families and staff who need compassionate, professional and spiritual guidance and support. Some hospitals also have a non-denominational chapel available for times of reflection and prayer.

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An interpreter service is available for patients and families if English is not your first language. These interpreters are specifically trained to interpret medical terms into other languages. It is important that you use this service if you are having problems understanding doctors explaining information or are being asked to provide consent for medical procedures. Your costs will depend on the procedures you need, time spent in ICU and the specialised care you require.

This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change.

All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions. Search this site Search all sites Search.