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Recovery after critical illness can be complicated by Post-ICU syndrome (PICS), which is condition that affects the mind and body. Half of patients after critical illness are affected by PICS and this requires assessment with a treatment plan to help recovery, which will need to be supported by:

  • your GP
  • hospital specialists
  • community teams
  • family, friends along with local and national organisations and charities.

At Guy's and St Thomas's hospital, a team of specialists from ICU run a weekly Post ICU recovery outpatient service for patients who have been cared for in one of the adults ICUs. 

An appointment in the outpatient clinic is planned for around 8-12 weeks after returning home. This section will detail the Post-ICU recovery service at Guy's and St Thomas's and include links to all the support available locally and nationally.

The peer support groups for patients, carers and relatives are extremely helpful during the recovery phase and at Guy's and St Thomas's there is a peer support group led by our specialist post ICU recovery nurse. Details can be found in the ‘Patient and relative (peer) support group at Guy's and St Thomas's’ article using the search bar below.

 

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Web Link: Air travel - fit for air travel (flying) advice and information - NHS Scotland

Air travel can expose you to a number of factors that can impact your health and well-being. Although most travellers won't notice any adverse effects to their health during a flight, the effects from flying may present challenges if you have certain underlying health conditions. Use this excellent link to the website for more information

Web Link: Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people aged 65 or over who need help with personal care (washing,dressing or eating, for example).Some patients need this type of help in the first few weeks and months after they get home.This link will take you to the NHS Choices web page, which will tell you more about what this allowance is, who is eligible and how to claim it.

Web Link: A-Z of health conditions

Many people who come into Intensive Care have pre-existing health conditions. Part of your recovery will likely include understanding and dealing with those conditions too. This link will take you to an NHS page with information on 100's of conditions, symptoms and treatments. It's not exhaustive, but we hope you find it helpful.

Web Link: Blue Badge application: parking for drivers with disabilities

The Blue Badge Scheme is a national arrangement that offers special parking provision for some people with disabilities, and enables parking for either drivers or passengers closer to the required destination. The scheme is administered by local authorities who deal with applications and assessments as well as the issue of the badges. If you are registered blind or have a mobility disability you may be entitled to a blue badge. Visit the government website and check if you can apply...

Web Link: Careline365; careline alarm guide

A Careline alarm is perfect for anyone who could be vulnerable at home, including older people, disabled people and people with health problems. Careline alarms are especially useful for people at risk of falling. Careline alarms help these groups of people live worry-free in their own homes whilst providing comfort and peace of mind for friends and loved ones.

Web Link: Chartered Society of Physiotherapists

A link to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists' page, where you can look for registered physiotherapists in your area.

External Video: Common physical symptoms video by the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine (FICM)

Video outlining physical symptoms that can be experienced after critical illness.

External Video: Common psychological problems in ICU video by the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine (FICM)

It is very common for patients who have suffered a critical illness to experience psychological issues. This 59 sec video briefly explains this

Web Link: Community Care Assessment

If you or the person you're looking after has difficulty with personal care (washing and dressing, for example), you could consider getting support from social services by having a community care assessment of your needs.The assessment looks at what type of services are needed. This might include a range of things, from from aids and home adaptations to visits from care workers or residential care.

Web Link: Couch to 5k running

This link will take you to the Couch to 5K running plan on the NHS Choices website. It's a free "app" that you can download onto your smartphone, and it's designed to get you off the couch and running in just 9 weeks. It's designed for all ages and abilities-take a look and see what you think!