The Intensive Care Unit at Medical West is designed to accept adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients with a present or potentially life-threatening medical or surgical condition. The ICU is located on the second floor of the hospital.
The Critical Care Team
There are many people involved in caring for intensive care patients including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, lab technicians, unit clerks, patient care technicians, x-ray technicians as well as many others. In addition to all of the various team members, each patient typically has one assigned nurse, who can update you on information about your loved one. Please note that physicians usually make rounds daily during the morning hours.
You, the family member or visitor, are also a vital member of the care team. Your role is to provide emotional support through your scheduled visits. You may also be involved in making decisions about your loved one's treatment or in some cases, may be asked to act as a spokesperson on behalf of the patient.
Visiting Hours/ Information
ICU visiting hours are from 10-11 am, 2-3 pm and 8-9 pm each day. These hours are strictly enforced to make sure each patient receives the care, treatment and rest they need. Only two visitors will be admitted at a time and children under the age of 12 are not permitted to enter the ICU. The staff will try to accommodate each patient's family needs, however, keep in mind that the patient comes first and we need your assistance in helping ensure that your family member is not overwhelmed with too many visitors.
Visiting the Patient
Visiting friends or loved ones in intensive care can be difficult. However, your visit is important and can help the patient feel comforted. A supportive and positive environment helps encourage the healing process. If you are unsure how to respond to a patient, ask the advice of the critical care nurse. We also ask to please wash hands prior to entering and exiting a patient's room. If you may be ill, we ask not to visit the ICU for the patient's protection.
Cell Phone Use
Cell phones are not permitted in the ICU.
Food/ Medication
Due to the condition of the patients in the ICU, the area must be clean and sterile to prevent the spread of bacteria. To maintain infection control, we do not allow visitors to have food or medication when visiting a patient, or for visitors to bring food to patients, as many of them may have restricted specialized diets while they are under critical care.
Flowers/ Gifts
As another preventative measure to maintain infection control, we do not permit flowers, fruit baskets or latex balloons in the ICU area. As an alternative, you may want to send cards or cellophane balloons, which are allowed in patient rooms.
Pastoral Care
Many patients and families find comfort and meaning in spirituality. Our hospital provides pastoral care services 24 hours a day. For more information on contacting the chaplain, please check with your critical care nurse or the ICU nurse manager.
Checking on a Patient by Phone
Due to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) Privacy laws, the hospital may not release patient information to the public. However, your critical care nurse will provide a special code word for one family member to use in order to gain information regarding your loved one's condition.
Your Rights Regarding Medical Treatment
During your admission to the hospital, you should have received information about your rights and responsibilities as a patient. For further information please contact Admitting at 481-7168.
Important Phone Numbers
ICU Information: 481-7311
ICU Waiting Room: 481-7222
ICU Nurse Manager: 481-7483