Intensive Care
Making decisions about care
Source: NHS
In this topic (7)
If your loved one has been admitted to an ICU andis awake and able to communicate, they'll be fully involved in decisions abouttheir care.
But if they're unconscious or sedated, they may not be able to give their consent (permission) for a particular treatment or procedure.
If they knew they weregoing into intensive care, they may have nominated someone to make decisions about treatment ontheir behalf (called a"designated decision maker") or made an advance decision aboutany treatmentsthey don't want to have.
If this wasn't possible in an emergency situation, the ICU staff treating them will usually decide what they feel is in their best interests. They will talk things over with you and/or the person's family whenever possible.
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Articles for Intensive Care
Introduction
Find out about intensive care units (ICUs), specialist hospital wards for people who are seriously ill.
Making decisions about care
If your loved one has been admitted to an ICU andis awake and able to communicate, they'll be fully involved in decisions abouttheir care. But if they're unconscious or sedated, they may not be able
More information
The following websites can be useful sources of more information and support: ICU steps a charity and support group for ICU patients and their loved ones that produces a detailed intensive care gu
Recovering from intensive care
Once a person no longer needs intensive care, theycan be transferred to a different ward to continue their recovery before eventually going home. Some people may leave the ICU after a few days. Other
Visiting an ICU
An ICU can often be an overwhelming place, both for the patient and their loved ones. It can therefore help to know a little about what to expect. Visiting hours visiting hours are usually very flex
What intensive care involves
Patients on an ICU will be looked after closely by a team of ICU staff and will be connected to equipment by a number of tubes, wires and cables. There will normally be one nurse for every one or two
When intensive care is needed
Intensive care is needed if someone is seriously ill and requires intensive treatment and close monitoring, or if they're having surgery and intensive care can help them recover. Most people on an IC