Intensive care units (ICUs) are specialist hospital wards that provide treatment and monitoring for people who are very ill. They're staffed with specially trained healthcare professionals and contain sophisticated monitoring equipment.
An ICU can often be an overwhelming place, both for the patient and their loved ones. It can help to know a little about what to expect:
- Visiting hours are usually flexible, but there may be times when visiting is not advised,
- Clean your hands when entering and leaving the unit. Avoid visiting if you're ill.
- The person you're visiting may be drowsy and seem confused. They may also appear slightly swollen or have injuries like bruises or wounds. This can be upsetting to see,
- A series of tubes, wires and cables will be attached to the patient, which may look alarming at first. Ask staff to explain what these are if you'd like to know.
- You may hear alarms and bleeps from the equipment. These help staff monitor their patients.
- You'll usually be free to touch, comfort and talk to the person. It may help them to hear and recognise familiar voices, even if they do not appear to respond.
- You might want to tell them about your day or read them a book or newspaper.
- You can bring in things to make them more comfortable, but ask staff beforehand if there's anything you should not bring.
Some people may leave the ICU after a few days. Others may need to stay in the ICU for months
Many people who leave an ICU will make a good recovery. But sometimes there can be lingering problems, such as:
- weakness and stiffness
- extreme tiredness (fatigue) and a lack of energy
- loss of appetite and weight loss
- sleep problems
- depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- problems with mental abilities – for example, not being able to think clearly and being forgetful
- These problems can last several months. Get medical advice if they're a persistent issue for you or a loved one.
