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We understand that entering the ICU can be very overwhelming. The environment is often very busy with many unfamiliar sights and sounds. As you enter your loved one’s bedspace you may find various pieces of equipment including monitors, infusion pumps and a breathing machine that are being used as part of our life-saving treatment.
Please talk to the bedside nurse if you have any questions about the equipment or machines that you are unsure about or access the equipment poster below for more information.
If your loved one needs a breathing machine (ventilator) they will be unable to speak and may need sedating medications to help keep them calm and relaxed. If they are awake, we encourage you to engage with them and provide reassurance that they are not alone. It may be easier for them to respond to questions requiring a simple “yes or no” response. In addition, they may be strong enough to write notes to communicate or use an alphabet board to indicate letters or words.
If they are unconscious, they may still be able to hear and feel. We encourage you to still talk to them, hold their hand, or provide gentle touch. Your presence is highly valued, and these interactions can be meaningful for both of you.
In some cases, you may notice that their behaviour may have changed due to their illness or medication. Your visit brings something familiar to them and is very important in their recovery.
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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