Intensive Care Unit

Visitors to the ICU are usually limited to immediate family or significant others. Visiting hours are flexible, but speak to a nurse about when it is best to visit.

See our hospital visiting guidelines for more information.

There may be additional local guidance during times of elevated COVID 19 activity.

Designating a family spokesperson

The family will be asked to choose a spokesperson and to decide who may visit. The spokesperson will:

• Be the main person point of communication for the health-care team about the patient’s condition and the plan of care

• Coordinate visiting permission and information with extended family and friends

A substitute decision maker may also be required. Expand the Decision Making and Care Planning text on this page for information about the role of the substitute decision maker.

Visiting with children

Consult with a nurse if you want to bring a child into the ICU. Children must be able to follow all infection control measures, especially hand washing, and be under direct adult supervision at all times. Consider that children may react strongly to an ICU environment and visiting may not be appropriate.

Family space

A private space for family may be available by request. Speak to a nurse to make this request.

Photos

To protect the privacy of other patients and families, speak to the nurse before taking any personal photos.

Language services

Interpreters and translation services are available. For more information, visit our Hospital Amenities & Services page.

Cultural diversity

The values of respect, caring and trust characterize our relationships. Please keep these values in mind when you interact with people in the ICU.

We are committed to providing quality care that respects the dignity of all individuals without discrimination. We appreciate you for respecting our diverse staff.

In the ICU, your loved one may be connected to many lines and equipment to help staff monitor and assess any change in their condition

Your loved one may not be able to look after themselves. Staff will provide for their basic needs as necessary. Physiotherapists will also work with them to regain their strength while in hospital

When visiting a loved one in the ICU, keep the following in mind:

• Your loved one may be sedated for comfort while all the tubes and machines are attached. Use of restraints is sometimes necessary for their safety and well-being

• We encourage you to speak to your loved one as they may still be able to hear you even though they may not look awake

• Try to stay calm while visiting and provide the comfort and support they need

• Clean your hands before and after visiting your loved one. This is essential to prevent the spread of infection

• Do NOT visit if you are sick. Patients in the ICU are very ill and are more sensitive to outside illnesses. Their condition could worsen if they are in contact with germs

• Follow safety precautions, such as wearing gloves, gowns or masks if your loved one is being isolated due to their condition

Medical Care for Your Loved One

Treatment for your loved one includes the following:

• Tests: Patients may need blood tests and X-rays daily and more often if needed. A variety of other diagnostic tests may be ordered. MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. Library of Medicine, is a good resource that explains many different types of diagnostic tests

• Rounds: The health-care team providing care for your loved one meets several times a day to review their changing conditions and needs. Visiting may be restricted during this time to maintain confidentiality for all patients and families

• Family conferences: The doctor will meet to update you about your loved one’s condition and the plan for care. You can request a meeting through a nurse or social worker.

It is often uncertain how long a patient will stay in the ICU. Talk to the doctor about what to expect for your loved one’s length of stay.

Your loved one may be unable to communicate their needs or wishes. With the support of the health-care team, a temporary substitute decision maker may be needed to make necessary legal decisions on behalf of the patient.

This may or may not be the same person as the spokesperson, which is explained above underneath the Visiting a patient in the ICU expandable text. The health care team will keep both of these individuals, and any other representative the family identifies, fully informed of conditions and plans for treatment.

Role of a substitute decision maker

The substitute decision maker:

• Informs the health care team if the patient has legally documented wishes about being put on life support

• Informs the health care team about the patient’s thoughts or wishes about being put on life support when no legal documentation exists

• Makes decisions based on the patient’s best interests when the substitute decision maker has no knowledge of the patient’s wishes regarding life support

Identifying a substitute decision maker

If the patient signed a legal representation agreement naming a decision maker, this person will be required to sign consents on behalf of the patient.

If the patient hasn’t identified a substitute decision maker, the first person who qualifies and is available (in the following order) will be assigned the role:

1. Spouse
2. Child
3. Parent
4. Sibling
5. Anyone related by birth or adoption

Qualifications to be a substitute decision maker include:

• At least 19 years of age
• In contact with patient within last 12 months
• No dispute with patient
• Capable of performing the role: giving, refusing or revoking consent
• Willing to comply with substitute decision maker duties

If no one qualifies, then a person will be authorized by the public guardian and trustee.

Advance care planning

The doctor will discuss your loved one’s condition and treatment plan with the family. As appropriate, limitations to treatment may be discussed

You may wish to discuss plans for future health care. One important consideration is making informed decisions about Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). CPR is not always appropriate for all patients

The health-care team will transfer your loved one to an appropriate unit once their condition has improved. The team, which may include: medical and nursing staff, physiotherapy, social work, spiritual care, occupational therapy, speech pathology, etc., will support your loved one during this time. They are part of recovery and will answer any questions

Common reactions

• Concern about serious, and possibly long-term health issues

• Disappointment and frustration over continuing illness and length of stay

• Relief that condition may be improving

We understand that a patient’s needs are unique. We would like to hear from you so we can create a care plan that best suits your personal needs. Your health care team, which may include: medical and nursing staff, physiotherapy, social work, spiritual care, occupational therapy, speech pathology, etc., will support you during this time. They are part of your recovery and will answer any questions from you or your family.

For more information about caring for your loved one or yourself after ICU, please look through this website from the Society of Critical Care Medicine.