What to expect on my first visit:
The Critical Care Unit comprises of three sides, ‘Side A’, ‘Side B’, and ‘Side C’ with a total of 32 beds. We have fantastic facilities and experienced staff to provide the best possible care for your relative.
It is always daunting when you first visit a Critical Care Unit as most people will not have experienced one before. There will be a dedicated nurse looking after your relative and a team of doctors led by a Consultant. Continuous assessments of your relative will take place in addition to a formal ward round. A number of other medical or surgical specialties may also be invited to offer their expertise.
When patients are first admitted to the Critical Care Unit, they will require a period of assessment, stabilisation and individualised treatment planning. This takes time and it is not unusual for us to need 1-2 hours to do this thoroughly so that we can provide the highest quality of care that we demand of ourselves for your relative.
We will try and keep you updated during this time and allow you to see them at the earliest opportunity. At subsequent visits, it is unlikely that you will have to wait for such a long period of time (sometimes up to 30 minutes) but again we must always ensure that we have the necessary time for nurses and doctors to provide care.
All patients are attached to a monitor that shows heart rhythm, pulse and blood pressure. They often receive oxygen from a facemask, or a ventilator (breathing machine) if they need help to breath. You will hear buzzers and see numbers flashing on monitors. Try not to be too unnerved by this. It is quite normal and act as an early prompt to the slightest change in the patient’s condition. The nurse at the bedside will explain all of the equipment when you visit if required.
If at any point you do not understand what is going on or have questions about your relatives condition please ask us. We will always keep you updated. It is not uncommon to forget some of the information that you have already heard. Do not hesitate to ask again if you are unsure.
Please remember to use the alcohol gel on your hands when entering and leaving the unit, to assist with infection control. The gel is available at the entrances to all three Units. It is also available throughout the hospital and at the main entrance.
Put one squirt of gel into the palm of your hand and rub hands together quickly until they are dry again (about 30 seconds).
Please turn off your mobile phone and do not use it on the unit. You may use it in the waiting room or outside the Critical Care complex.
Medical staff often use mobile devices including phones to provide mobile resources in the form of “APPs”, don’t be alarmed if they are using mobile devices on the Critical Care Unit.
Is there anything that I can bring?
We have most essential items that our patients will require during their stay on intensive care.
However, some may prefer their own personal items and toiletries such as:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Liquid soap or shower gel
- Comb or hairbrush
- Personal toiletries your relative may normally use
- Aerosol deodorants rather than roll-on varieties due to infection control
- Razor - if electric please make sure it is fully charged
Flannels and towels can get very soiled or lost so are best left at home. We provide both items.
Items that we do not have and may be very helpful are:
- Dentures, spectacles and hearing aids to make communication easier
- Favourite music CDs or photographs are always appreciated
Any other property will need to be taken home, due to lack of space and storage facilities. Anything of value, especially money or jewellery, will be sent to the hospital safe.
Unfortunately we cannot accept fresh flowers or plants as the soil and water can be hazardous to equipment and an infection risk.