INTENSIVE CARE

Information about Intensive Care at Christchurch Hospital

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Patients who suffer severe trauma, have undergone prolonged and complicated surgery or suffer from a severe infection often need treatment in Intensive Care. Here the intensive care team can provide specialised treatment and close observation. When breathing becomes too much hard work patients can develop a lack of oxygen.  Breathing can then be supported or completely taken over by a ventilator, sometimes called a life support or breathing machine. To clear secretions from patients’ lung a thin plastic tube is being pushed down gently through the breathing tube to apply suction. This can make patients cough and might look distressing to you. Physiotherapists treat patients’ chest to help clear secretions from their lungs. They also help patients who are recovering regain their mobility through gentle exercise. Physiotherapy is also essential in unconscious patients to prevent stiff joints and muscles later on.

Other items you might see are syringe drivers, which infuse drugs to support blood pressure or to relieve pain at a consistent rate. Monitors above every bed display information about heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, central venous pressure, oxygen saturation etc. picked up from a variety of cables and catheters attached to the patient.

The technical nature of intensive care can make you feel alienated and many visitors are afraid to touch their loved ones out of fear to disturb tubes and wires. Please do not be afraid. Touching and comforting your sick family member or friend is important and the nurse a the bedside will help you overcome any fears and show you which wires and tubes you need to be careful with.

Intensive Care Unit (ICU)Nutrition is essential in critical illness. Most patients have a thin tube inserted through their nose to the stomach. A feeding pump administers a milky looking substance that contains all the calories, vitamins, proteins etc. normally contained in a full and healthy diet. Blood may be needed by a patient. Our blood bank carefully screens and tests the blood to ensure it is safe for your relative or friend.