If you are due to have medical treatment or surgery in one of our hospitals, you might need to spend some time in an intensive care unit (ICU). ICU is a specialised area where intensive medical care and monitoring is provided for patients who are critically ill or recovering from major surgery.
A stay in the ICU might be required if you need close monitoring, one-to-one nursing or specialised medical treatment following your procedure. This could include monitoring of your heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, or other vital signs.
We can also provide specialised treatments or procedures such as mechanical ventilation, dialysis, or blood transfusions can be provided.
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 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 outcome. With the right care and support, most patients can recover fully and leave the ICU within a few days or weeks.
ICU at Blackrock Health
At Blackrock Health, all three of our hospitals have a long-standing history of excellence in the field of healthcare. We share decades of experience in providing expert surgical and medical care, supported by highly skilled ICU professionals. We invest in the latest techniques and technologies and provide personalised care tailored to individual needs. Our ICU team works closely with other specialists to ensure that you receive the best care before, during and after your surgery. We support you at all stages of your journey towards the best possible outcome.
Our specialist team
There may be many individuals involved in caring for you during an ICU stay. They work together to ensure optimal care for each patient and can include:
Admitting physician
Critical care nursing staff
Critical care technicians
ICU consultant
ICU physiotherapist
Microbiologist
Other consultant specialties as appropriate to your multi-disciplinary team
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.
Our Intensive Care Units
Across our three hospitals we operate 28 ICU beds. Our teams care for a large variety of patients both medical and surgical. The units operate on an elective and emergency patient admission basis. You may be admitted for a number of reasons including:
Extra monitoring or organ support such as breathing assistance.
Fluid management
Pain management
ICU is involved in the care of many surgical specialties, including but not limited to:
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.
FAQ's
At Blackrock Health Private Hospitals in Dublin and Galway, we understand that a stay in our intensive care unit can be a stressful experience, filled with uncertainty for you and your loved ones.
To help ease your concerns and provide clear information, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions specific to our ICU services. Our goal is to care for our patients and to make your visit as smooth and reassuring as possible, ensuring you receive the support you require, both promptly and efficiently.
What is an intensive care unit?
The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a specialised area within a hospital that provides high-dependency care for critically ill patients. Care includes close monitoring and intensive medical intervention required because of severe illness, injury, or complex medical conditions.
Who are the patients in ICU?
Patients in the ICU may include those recovering from major surgery, trauma, patients with life-threatening medical conditions such as sepsis, respiratory failure, heart failure, stroke, or patients requiring post-resuscitation care after cardiac arrest.
What types of treatments are provided in ICU?
The ICU provides a wide range of treatments and interventions tailored to the individual needs of each patient, including mechanical ventilation, haemodynamic monitoring, intravenous medications, blood transfusions, dialysis, surgical procedures, and specialised therapies.
How is care in ICU different from other hospital units?
Care in the ICU is distinguished by its high level of monitoring, specialised equipment, round-the-clock staffing by multidisciplinary teams, and rapid response to changes in patients' conditions. ICU patients receive close attention from healthcare professionals trained in critical care medicine.
How are patients admitted to ICU?
Patients may be admitted to the ICU from various hospital settings, including the emergency department, operating room, recovery room, or general medical-surgical units, based on their clinical condition and need for intensive care.
How long do patients stay in ICU?
The length of stay in the ICU varies depending on the severity of the patient's condition, the nature of their illness or injury, and their response to treatment. Some patients may require only a brief stay for stabilisation, while others may require prolonged ICU care for weeks or even months.
Can family members visit patients in ICU?
Many hospitals have policies allowing limited visitation for family members of ICU patients, although visiting hours and restrictions may vary depending on factors such as patient condition, infection control measures, and hospital protocols. Family members are encouraged to communicate with ICU staff for updates on their loved one's condition.
What happens after a patient is discharged from ICU?
After discharge from the ICU, patients may transition to a lower level of care within the hospital, such as a general medical-surgical unit or step-down unit, or they may be discharged home or to a rehabilitation facility, depending on their ongoing medical needs and recovery progress.
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.
