Critical Care

At Valley Hospital and Medical Center, caring for our sickest patients with compassion and split-second timing is at the core of our business as a hospital.

The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) provides care to adult patients who are critically ill or injured, who require technical and continual monitoring in a high acuity setting.

Who is taking care of your loved one

	Comprehensive, specialized care is provided by nurses and therapists who have had additional education and training to care for patients who require focused care due to the nature of their illness. All care providers in ICU strive to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of each patient, taking into account individual social, cultural and medical requirements. The nurses' primary role is to achieve an optimal level of patient well-being and to serve as a patient advocate. VHMC supports a "multi-disciplinary" approach to patient care. Although the ICU nurses are the primary care givers, many other professional and technical team members work together to provide outstanding care and services to patients and their families. Respiratory Therapists, Pharmacists, Dieticians, Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists are among those you will most often see in the ICU. In addition, Social Services, Spiritual Care Services and Financial Liaisons may be asked to address patient needs. Please ask if there are any special concerns or services you believe would be helpful during your hospital experience.

Communication

	We have an obligation to protect our patients rights to confidentiality and privacy. Please be aware that the ICU staff will not give patient information over the phone to anyone other than known family members. When patients have large families we ask that one family member accept the role as "family contact" to keep others apprised of their loved ones condition. This helps reduce the number of phone calls to the units, thus allowing the nursing staff to focus on patient care. If you have any questions or concerns about the ICU or the care being provided please request to speak with a nurse. We will do our best to keep you updated and help you to understand the information you are given.

ICU Visitor Guidelines

	The ICU has developed policies which all visitors are asked to follow. These guidelines are in place to protect our patients rights to privacy and dignity while they are being treated in the ICU. They allow the nurses to fulfill their duties and to provide the best care possible to each patient. Although the ICU does not have scheduled visitor hours, we do appreciate quiet time for our patients between the hours of 7am -8am and 7pm-8pm while we change shifts. In the ICU visits will be limited to family only, or others specified by the patient or family. Patient information will not be provided to anyone other than known family members. Generally we ask that no more than two people at a time visit unless prior arrangements are made with the patient's nurse. No children under the age of 12 unless by prior arrangement with the patient's nurse. Please limit visits to 5-10 minutes each hour. Duration and times of visits may be different for each patient depending on individual needs and medical condition. Please use the phone outside of the elevator bank or the ICU double doors to inform us of your arrival prior to entering the ICU. This insures our patients privacy and avoids interrupting the nursing staff as they accomplish patient care. When asked to step out of the patient room please return to the visitors lounge. This allows us to keep our hallways clear for emergencies and protects the privacy of other patients. Please do not bring your food or drinks into the ICU patient rooms. Also, please do not bring food items from home for the patients without first consulting with the nurse. As an infection control issue, we ask that you do not bring fresh flowers or plants into the ICU patient rooms. VHMC does not allow latex balloons; however, non-latex balloons, cards and photos are always welcome.
Waiting Area

	There is a visitors lounge to the right of the elevator lobby on the 2nd floor, and a small "quiet" room next to it for those who desire more privacy. An auxiliary volunteer is available Monday thru Friday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm to assist you with any questions or directions. Coffee, television and phones are available for your use. Please take all personal items (toys, foods, etc.) with you when you leave. We cannot be responsible for any items left unattended. As these rooms are used by many people throughout the day we appreciate your help in keeping them clean and uncluttered. Rest rooms are located in the hall west of the elevators. Food items are available in the cafe on the first floor.

Taking Care of Yourself

	We understand that having a family member in the ICU is a stressful time for everyone. You may feel overwhelmed at times by the experience. As a key link to the patient, it is important that you focus some energy on maintaining your own well-being so that you can "be there" for the patient. Take time to eat well, get plenty of rest, and recognize your own signs of "overload". Some early warning signs may be inability to sleep, poor self-care, a sense of helplessness, irritability, and poor nutrition. If you are experiencing any of these warning signs, obtain support from family, friends, or ask your family doctor for guidance. Your ability to cope is very important to us.