{"id":1069,"date":"2017-06-22T00:08:12","date_gmt":"2017-06-22T00:08:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/tpch\/healthcare-services\/during-and-after-a-stay-in-icu"},"modified":"2018-01-05T04:29:41","modified_gmt":"2018-01-05T04:29:41","slug":"during-and-after-a-stay-in-icu","status":"publish","type":"services","link":"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/tpch\/healthcare-services\/intensive-care\/during-and-after-a-stay-in-icu","title":{"rendered":"During and after a stay in ICU"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Our multidisciplinary team of nurses, doctors, allied health, administrative and support personnel provide 24 hour care for our patients.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"parent":1036,"menu_order":0,"template":"","categories":[1],"tags":[94,426,427,428,429,430,431,432,433,434,435,1362],"class_list":["post-1069","services","type-services","status-publish","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-intensive-care","tag-critical-care","tag-critically-ill","tag-icu","tag-intensive-care-unit","tag-intensivists","tag-life-support","tag-life-threatening-condition","tag-medical-emergency-response-team","tag-seriously-ill","tag-specialist-intensive-care-consultants","tag-adult-intensive-care-service"],"acf":{"related_article":false,"page_subtitle":"","page_type":"general","accessing_this_service":[{"variation":"GP or medical practitioner referral","free_text":""}],"include_refer_a_patient_panel":true,"refer_a_patient_text":"","refer_a_patient_link":"","specialist_hotline":"1300 364 938","after_your_hospital_appointment":[{"variation":"Preadmission and surgery","free_text":""}],"what_to_bring":[{"category":"general","what_to_bring_general":[{"display":[],"every_time":"","_copy":"","for_appointment":"","_copy2":"","for_procedure":"","_copy3":"","for_overnight":""}],"what_to_bring_mental_health":false,"what_to_bring_child_health":false}],"general_content":[{"other_content":[{"heading":"Staying in ICU","content":"

Patient care<\/h3>\n

ICU offers highly technical support for our critically ill patients. They will have a lot of equipment and monitors attached to them and around them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Due to the intense nature of the care we provide, our medical and nursing staff numbers remain constant throughout the day with little difference between day, night and weekends. <\/span>Our multidisciplinary team of nurses, doctors, allied health, administrative and support personnel provide 24 hour care and support to our patients and their families.<\/p>\n

At times it will be necessary to ask you to wait outside when we have to attend to patients or procedures. When this happens, please return to the waiting room. You can buzz to come back in after the given timeframe.\u00a0Sometimes our patients may leave the unit for a long period of time to undergo a procedure such as a CT scan, angiogram or go to the operating theatre.<\/p>\n

Supporting you<\/h3>\n

We have a team of hospital volunteers, known as Charlie\u2019s Angels, who will be able to assist you at the entry to ICU and will often be your first point of contact. They wear bright yellow shirts and are available every day and during certain times on the weekend.<\/p>\n

We aim to meet with you regularly to keep you informed about the patient\u2019s progress.\u00a0We will update you on the patient\u2019s care, explain treatments, give you timelines and offer guidance. The bedside nurse is there to help you with these matters.<\/p>\n

We ask that you nominate one family member as the contact person, usually the nominated next of kin is this person. The patient or next of kin may delegate this responsibility to another family member. This is to ensure consistent information is provided confidentially and enables the bedside nurse to focus on the patient and not be distracted by a large number of calls.<\/p>\n

Our social workers are available 7 days a week to provide advice and support.\u00a0Our staff members have experience caring for patients of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. Please let us know if you have any special requirements.<\/p>\n

The ICU is an open unit and other patients will be visible. You may see things that disturb or upset you. If you feel faint or unwell, please notify the closest staff member immediately.<\/p>\n

Consent<\/h3>\n

Explanation and consent<\/a>\u00a0for all operations, procedures and treatments is required for all patients. In emergencies, interventions may be required before consent can be obtained \u2013 we will endeavour to get consent as soon as possible.\u00a0We will endeavour to make sure that information provided through the consent process is understood by the patient and where appropriate by their carers or family as much as possible.<\/p>\n

You may be asked to make a decision if your family member is unconscious and\/or needs emergency treatment.\u00a0The Powers of Attorney Act<\/a> and the Guardianship and Administration Act<\/a> allow carers or family to provide consent when the patient lacks the capacity to consent.<\/p>\n

ICU research<\/h3>\n

We rely on research to advance the medical services we provide. You may be asked if your family member can participate in current research studies and reviews being performed in ICU. You will have time to read about the research and ask questions. Involvement in research is voluntary and you may withdraw your relative from participation at any time.<\/p>\n

Visiting hours<\/h3>\n

Visiting hours are between 11.00am-8.00pm every day. We have a patient rest period from 1.00pm-3.00pm every day. If you need to visit outside these times, please speak to the nurse caring for the patient.\u00a0We allow 2 visitors at a time as space is limited at the bedside.<\/p>\n

Please note, sometimes visitors will be asked to leave the patient\u2019s bedside for provision of care to the patient or at doctor or nursing handovers and general operational duties within ICU.\u00a0<\/span>Children are welcome to visit. Please talk to our nursing, medical staff or social workers before bringing children in to ensure you receive appropriate advice and support.<\/span><\/p>\n

Phone enquiries from family members may be made at any time. Due to confidentiality, there is limited information that can be provided over the phone. Please try and call outside of nurse handover times which are between 7.00am-7.30am and 7.00pm-7.30pm.<\/p>\n

Please switch mobile phones off before you walk into ICU as it can interfere with medical equipment.\u00a0We do not allow outside food and drinks, mobile phones or recording devices in the unit. In special circumstances, photos may be permitted after approval by the director or the intensive care specialist in charge.<\/span><\/p>\n

Infection prevention<\/h3>\n

Patients in ICU are very unwell and their condition makes it easier for them to contract infections. Infections can cause a patient\u2019s condition to worsen and increase their time in ICU or in hospital. Infections can be fatal.\u00a0It is important that visitors follow our hygiene rules:<\/p>\n