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 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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Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018