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Emergency admission to hospital

A seriously ill or injured person is usually admitted to the accident and emergency department of a hospital by ambulance. They are taken to the nearest hospital with the most appropriate facilities.

On arrival, a patient is taken to an area sometimes called the resuscitation room. This term does not automatically mean that your loved one needs to be resuscitated. A standard assessment, which checks a patient's airway, breathing and circulation is carried out, along with any necessary further examinations and treatment.

There is always an accident and emergency doctor and a senior nurse in the resuscitation room. Further staff will help as required.

If a patient needs an operation urgently they may go straight to the operating theatre.

Patients whose condition is extremely serious, possibly life-threatening, are often taken to an intensive care unit.

You may have arrived at the hospital while the assessment of your loved one's condition was taking place. Time can pass very slowly when waiting for news. Family and friends are usually shown to a waiting room where you are informed of what is happening as soon as possible.

content

Emergency admission
ICU and what to expect
Visiting an ICU
ICU equipment
staff in ICU
Operations
Drugs in ICU
Practicalities when visiting
Waiting for loved ones recovery
If a patient dies
Transfer of recovering patients
Long-term issues
Sources of help

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