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Intensive Care

Critical care, also known as intensive care, is needed if someone is seriously ill with life-threatening conditions and requires intensive treatment and close monitoring. This is carried out in a ward called the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). These wards within the hospital are staffed with a multi-disciplinary healthcare team equipped and designed to closely monitor and treat patients with life-threatening conditions. Patients may need specialist treatment because one or more of their body systems, such as their heart, lung, or kidneys, are not working properly.

Because our patients are often very unwell, they will have much greater care needs than those patients being cared for on more general wards within the hospital. For this reason, each nurse will care for one patient only at a time and patients will be reviewed by different teams regularly.

 

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Document: Bereavement support at Guy's and St Thomas's Hospital

This leaflet is about some of the emotions you may feel when someone close to you has died. It also has details of other organisations that offer support.

Article: Bowels management in ICU

Bowel management system (BMS) is a tube that is inserted into the rectum from the bottom. It is used in patients in ICU who have problems with diarrhoea. The diarrhoea is collected in a drainage bag. This often used when the skin on the bottom gets very sore and red from frequently having diarrhoea. Using the BMS will help the skin to heal. Laxatives are a type of medicine that is used in ICU to patient constipation (not pooing regularly). Constipation is commonly seen in ICU patients...

Web Link: Breast feeding - Global health media support videos

We bring care to life. Engaging, crystal clear, short, and practical. Our videos enable learners of all levels to easily understand, and remember critical teaching points.

Article: Breathing tubes

Breathing tubes Many of the patients in the intensive care unit will need support with their breathing. This may involve passing a plastic breathing tube into the windpipe. There are two types of breathing tubes Endotracheal (ET) tube: This is a plastic tube placed through the patient’s mouth or sometimes through their nose into the windpipe (trachea). Most patients will need sedation to keep them comfortable while this breathing tube is in place. Tracheostomy tube: This is...

Web Link: British Red Cross; Get Support at Home

The British Red Cross home care services will provide you with the support and care to help you when you return after a stay in hospital.

Web Link: Calling or visiting a patient at Guy's and St Thomas's Hospital - weblink

This weblink takes you to the main web page for information on visiting Guy's and St Thomas's Hospital. We have 5 main hospital sites, as well as community sites across south east London. Do check which location you need to come to before planning your visit. The Visiting us drop down menu allows you to choose which hospital and ward your are visiting and provides all the information you might need to help you on your journey (see web link...

Web Link: Carers UK; supporting you to take a break

Carers UK; supporting you to take a break This website and videos explain what defines a break and why taking a break is so important when you are a carer.

Article: Catheter (urinary)

Almost every patient in the Intensive care Unit will have a (urinary) catheter during their stay. What is a catheter? A urinary catheter is a flexible tube that is inserted into the bladder to drain urine.It is collected in a clear drainage bag that is usually hung by the side of the bed, where it can be easily seen by the nurse. Why are they used in Intensive Care? Many patients are too unwell or too sleepy to use the toilet normally.It's very important that we...

Web Link: Childcare: help with costs

This link will take you to the Government's webpage on childcare and parenting. It offers useful advice on whether and how you can get help with finding childcare if you need to spend time at the hospital.

Web Link: Communicating with your family member in ICU: Guy's and St Thomas's Hospital

If your family member is in critical care, they might find it hard to communicate for different reasons. There are ways to help you communicate with your family member. If you have any questions or concerns about communicating with your family member, speak to their doctor, nurse or speech and language therapist. Please see the link for more information.