Intensive Care Unit

What we do

The ICU is a specialised area designed to care for patients who are seriously ill, have undergone major surgery or those with serious cardiac problems.  

Who we care for

We care for critically ill patients. Critical illness is a condition where life cannot be sustained without invasive therapeutic interventions. A wide variety of diseases may lead to critical illness.

Intensive care patients generally fit into one of the following categories:

• Patients at high risk of deterioration admitted for intensive monitoring
• Patients admitted to intensive care post-surgery 
• Patients who require very intense nursing care or treatment not available on the ward     
• Patients who have an acute, potentially reversible critical illness requiring organ support

What to expect

Visiting

• We know that visits from family and friends play an important part in a patients’ healing process. Our team supports flexible visiting hours to promote your loved one’s recovery.
• When you visit your loved one you will notice the monitoring equipment at the bedside, some of which will be connected to the patient. We understand this can be  overwhelming. Our staff will explain why the equipment is being used.

Visiting hours and limits

• Immediate family and carers - flexible visiting hours.
• Friends and extended family are encouraged to visit between 2 pm - 7 pm.
• Visitation may be limited to a maximum of two visitors at a time depending on a patient’s condition and treatment.

Procedure interruptions

• ICU procedures may occur during your visit and staff may ask you to sit in the waiting room while these are performed. Staff will provide explanations as needed. 

Privacy and safety

• To protecty patient privacy, photography and videography are prohibitted. 

 Health precautions

• Visitors will be informed if masks are needed. If you are experiencing cold, flu or COVID symptoms, please delay your visit if possible until you are well. 

Pets

• Yes!  Sometimes family has fur!  The family dog or cat is welcome to visit.  Please ask staff for guidance.

Information about your relative

• To help keep communication clear we suggest one or two family members be nominated to act as a spokesperson on behalf of your family. This is usually the Medical Treatment Decision Maker.
• We request the spokesperson be responsible for relaying information to family and friends. This will also limit the number or calls to the unit and therefore reduce interruptions to patient care. 
• Please do not hesitate to discuss any concerns you may have during your family members stay.
• Phone updates: Please call after 9.30am on (03) 5454 7950

• Toiletries are permitted 
• No valuables
• No flowers please (for infection control reasons) 

Other hospital services:

• Social Worker 
• Patient Advocate 
• Pastoral Care 
• Interpreters 
• Aboriginal Liaison Officer 

Please ask the staff if you require any of these services.