If you are due to have a medical treatment or surgery in one of our hospitals, there may be a chance that you will need to stay in an intensive care unit (ICU) afterwards. ICU is a specialised unit in a hospital that provides intensive medical care and monitoring for patients who are critically ill or recovering from major surgery. It is also sometimes referred to as the Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU).
A stay in the ICU might be needed if you need close monitoring, one-to-one nursing or specialised medical treatment following your procedure. This could include monitoring your heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, or other vital signs. You may also need specialised treatments or procedures, such as mechanical ventilation, dialysis, or blood transfusions.
During your stay in the ICU, you and your family can expect to receive a high level of care and support from the medical team. You will be closely monitored by our doctors and nurses, who are trained to manage complex medical conditions and respond quickly to any changes in your condition. Your family will also be kept informed of your progress and involved in decisions about your care.
It is normal to feel anxious or overwhelmed about staying in the ICU, but it is important to remember that the ICU is a specialised unit designed to provide the highest level of care and support possible. The medical team will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs and provides the best possible outcome. With the right care and support, most patients can recover fully and leave the ICU within a few days or weeks.
At Blackrock Health, all three of our hospitals have a long-standing history of excellence in the field of surgery. Across the three hospitals, we have a shared history of many decades in providing expert surgical care, and to do so need highly skilled intensivists and specialist anaesthetists trained in intensive care. We have a reputation for using the latest surgical and anaesthetic techniques and technologies. We are committed to providing personalised care that is tailored to your individual needs. Our team works closely with other specialists to ensure that you receive the best possible care before, during and after your surgery. Whether you require surgery for a minor issue or a more complex condition requiring the Intensive care Unit, we can help you on your journey towards the best possible outcome.
Our Intensive Care Units
All three of our clinics have busy intensive care units. Our ICU teams care for a large variety of patients from various specialties both medical and surgical. The units operate on an elective and emergency admission basis.
We care for many surgical specialties including but not limited to cardiac surgery, vascular, colorectal, and orthopaedic. Depending on the nature of the surgery your relative may require a short or longer stay in ICU.
If you have any queries or concerns regarding a patient in ICU, please feel free to ask to speak with one of our ICU Managers. They will be happy to discuss any concerns you may have with you.
There may be many individuals involved in caring for patients during an ICU stay. These include the admitting physician, a microbiologist, ICU consultant, ICU physiotherapist, other consultant specialties as appropriate, an ICU doctor and of course the ICU staff nurses. All are working together to ensure optimal care for each patient.
Reason for ICU admission
You may be admitted to the ICU for a number of reasons including:
- Pain management
- Fluid management
- Extra monitoring or organ support such as breathing assistance.
The nurse looking after each patient will be happy to answer any questions about their care.
Intensive Care Equipment
You will be monitored at all times during your ICU stay. We will be monitoring heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels amongst other parameters.
Some patients may require some organ support equipment – for example lung, kidney support. The nurse looking after each patient will be happy to explain these to you.
How do I get this?
You will be admitted to ICU if the medical team believe it is necessary or helpful for your recovery. Please see our Request Appointment Form here.
Is this insured?
Not all services are covered by health insurance. To find out if you're covered, please check your health insurance before your visit. You can do this on our health insurance Cover Check page here, or by contacting your health insurer.
How do I pay?
If you do not have health insurance or your health plan does not cover the full cost, you will need to pay the balance due before your treatment or procedure. You may be able to claim back some fees on your insurance. To pay an excess not covered by your insurance or any other inpatient fees, please visit our payment page here. If you have any queries about paying for your care, please contact the finance team in your hospital.
