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Table of Contents
Recovering from critical care illness
Patients are transferred out of the ICU when their condition has improved and no longer requires the specialised care of the ICU team. This decision is made by the ICU medical team in close consultation with the external treating teams caring for the patient.
Leaving critical care and going to the ward is an important step in your recovery process as your ICU stay only plays a small part in your journey in hospital. The following information will help you and your family learn more about the ward environment and provide some general information about your recovery process.
Transferring to the ward
The ward environment can be very different from the ICU and this change can be worrisome for both the patient and their family. Meeting new staff and adjusting to a different routine can be stressful. The staff and the doctors on the ward recognise that the transition can be difficult and will do their best to support you and your family throughout this process. They can provide information about the ward routines such as doctors’ rounds, mealtimes and visiting.
In addition, if you have been in the ICU for an extended period of time or if you meet a certain criterion upon discharge, one of our liaison nurses may come and visit you on the ward to check on your progress and ensure that the right support is being provided to you and your family during the transition stage.
The ICU Liaison Service plays a pivotal role in the ongoing support of a patient transitioning from the ICU onto the ward and works to ensure best possible care is provided and outcomes are achieved for patients as they continue their recovery from critical illness.
Recovering from Critical Illness
Recovery post ICU takes time and is dependent upon many things such as your length of stay and severity of your illness. In addition, you may find that your way of life after hospital can be different from previous due to your illness.
Many patients make a full recovery. Some patients may remain on certain medication, require further treatment or need additional supports. The following information will discuss some of the common problems you may experience and identify strategies to help.
Please access the information booklet below titled ‘Leaving the Intensive Care Unit’ to find more detailed information about your transition to the ward and what to expect as you continue your journey beyond the ICU.
If you have any concerns or questions about you or your loved one transferring to the ward, please speak to any member of the ICU team, we are here to help and hope to support you during this process the best way that we can.
More Information
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Patient Safety
Patient safety is an essential component of high-quality care provided in the ICU. Our team have worked hard to establish a number of tools and strategies that ensures the ICU provides safe care, in the context of evidence-based practice and the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) requirements.
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Beyond Critical Care
Leaving critical care and going to the ward is an important step in your recovery process as your ICU stay only plays a small part in your journey in hospital. The following information will help you and your family learn more about the ward environment and provide information about your recovery process.
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