What You Can Expect
The patient’s initial admission to the Unit is a very busy time because of the need to assess and stabilise the patient.
Many procedures may need to be performed at this time. These procedures may include placing a breathing tube through the patient’s mouth, inserting intravenous lines (drip) and invasive monitoring equipment and performing necessary x-rays and other bedside tests.
During this time you may be asked to wait in the waiting rooms where you will be kept informed and updated on the progress of the patient. We will let you visit as soon as possible. Although we give you estimates as to how long a procedure will take, this is approximate and it may take longer.
We won’t forget about you!
Much of the value of the Intensive Care Unit comes from the careful monitoring of the progress of a disease and the body’s response to complex treatments. This allows timely adjustment of such treatments. In order to achieve this, many investigations and monitoring processes will occur. It may be necessary at times to perform complex procedures in the ICU or HDU, which may be time-consuming and require the Unit to be closed to visitors.
