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Patients |
Practicalities when visiting, an intensive care unitWhen can I visit? Visiting hours are normally flexible for family and close friends. For safety reasons, ICUs usually restrict the number of visitors around a patient at a time. The best time for routine visiting is often the afternoon or early evening. Doctors' rounds and procedures such as x-rays are often carried out in the morning so you may be asked to leave your loved one's bedside temporarily. Some hospitals have a quiet period for part of the afternoon to allow patients to rest. Too many visitors can be tiring for conscious patients. Children In the past, many hospitals felt that an ICU was an unsuitable place for children to visit. It is now thought that it might be more upsetting for a child not to be allowed in. It is best to talk to the ICU staff to decide what is best for children in your care. Telephoning the ICU Naturally, relatives and friends will want to know your loved one's progress. It is helpful if only one person telephones the ICU for a daily update and then informs those concerned. This may not be possible in every situation but it does assist staff by saving them time which could otherwise be devoted to patient care. Detailed medical information is not normally given over the telephone. Flowers and plants may not be allowed in an ICU as they can be a hazard to patients and electrical equipment. Car parking and travel Arrangements vary according to the hospital but parking can be difficult and expensive. It is always worth asking the hospital staff about the cheapest parking. The hospital should be able to give you information about public transport and taxis too. You may be able to claim back parking or travel costs. Talk to the social work department of the hospital or the local benefits agency if you need to claim. What kind of facilities will the hospital have for visitors? Each hospital is different so you should ask the ICU staff about toilets, telephones, refreshment facilities and smoking areas. It can be useful to have some change for a payphone - mobile phones must be switched off in hospitals because they can interfere with equipment. Cafeterias may not be near the ICU and may have restricted opening times. If you are spending long periods of time at the hospital you may want to have some refreshments with you. Perhaps a friend can bring something in for you, such as sandwiches 'Or a flask of soup. It is important to keep up your strength. Can I stay overnight at the hospital? It may be possible for you to stay at the hospital, but most have very limited facilities. There may be a visitors' room which can be used, but this is often only equipped with chairs. Ask the nurses if facilities are available because each hospital is different. ICU staff may have information about accommodation near to the hospital. Does a patient need any personal items in an ICU? Although space for personal items is very limited, you may be asked to bring in some basic toiletries for your loved one. A nurse will tell you what is required but items may include toothpaste and toothbrush, shaving kit, liquid soap and hairbrush/comb. You may wish to include some aftershave or scent to dab on their skin. Items such as a tape of their favourite music or photos of their loved ones may be a comfort to them. Talking to others Fear of the unknown can cause worry. Do not be afraid to ask the staff questions if something is bothering you. They may be busy but they will always find time to talk to you. It can be helpful to have someone to talk to about what you are going through. Friends and family can be a valuable source of support at this time. There may be a counsellor in the hospital who you can see or you may wish to speak to your own GP The hospital chaplain can visit you if you wish or you may prefer to talk to a representative of another faith. Telephone numbers for national support or ganisations are listed on pages 22-24 of this booklet. The hospital social worker or chaplain may be able to give you more information about support groups. Visiting an ICU can be very tiring. It is understandable to be worried
about your loved one but it is important to take care of yourself. Try
to get rest as often as you can and attempt to steep during the night
not the day. Remember to eat sensibly too. You will need your strength.
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contentEmergency admission |
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