Patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) are considered to have an acute problem or, as a precautionary measure, require constant observation. Rest, relaxation and comfort for the patient have a direct bearing on a speedy recovery. Noise, long visits, too many visitors or worrisome discussions hinder such a recovery and therefore, require regulation. Your encouragement and hopeful attitude can go far toward calming fears and assisting the patient’s recovery. Your cooperation not only benefits your family member, but all of the patients in the ICU.

Visiting

To ensure everyone is getting the best care in the Intensive Care Unit, there are certain restrictions in visiting patients. To help prevent the spread of disease from visitor to patient or from patient to visitor; and to provide the patient with an atmosphere that promotes rest and healing.

1. Immediate family members only.
2. Visitors should check with the staff prior to visiting. Call 256-927-5531.
3. Visitors for each patient are limited to two people at a time.
4. Visitors must be 12 years of age or older. Special requests for younger visitors will be considered in situations regarding terminal illnesses.
5. Infectious diseases can delay recovery. If you feel you are contagious, please inform the nurse.
6. Telephones are not present in patient rooms in order that the patient rest not be interrupted. However, on a case by case basis, telephones may be available to the patient. Telephone inquiries regarding a patient’s condition may be directed to the nurse caring for the patient. Nursing staff will not be available during report times. Families are encouraged to use the phone in the ICU reception room for personal calls. Local calls can be made by dialing 9 followed by the seven-digit phone number.

Personal Belongings

Due to limited space in each patient room and for safe-keeping purposes, personal belongings (clothing, medication, and valuables) for patients should be taken home. Medications from home can only be administered by the ICU nurse with a physician’s order. Live flowers are not allowed in the patient rooms. Small artificial arrangements, balloons and cards are acceptable.

Family Representatives

Good communication between the staff and the family is essential to the well-being of the patient. It is helpful if each family selects one individual who will acts as the family representative. This person will be the primary contact for physicians and nursing staff and will share information between the staff and the family. Friends and family not able to visit the patient will benefit from having one individual to contact.

If the patient has a written Advance Directive then preferably the individual indicated as Health Care Power of Attorney should be the family representative.

In times of overwhelming stress, feelings of confusion, helplessness and fear, disagreements can arise among family members.

Because good health care for the patient involves the promotion of rest, we ask all problems be resolved outside the patient area.

If difficulty resolving certain issues within your family arises, the staff can provide assistance and referrals.

For more information, call 256-927-5531.