When you arrive on the unit, please use the buzzer and intercom and the doors will be released for you to enter. Inside there is a door bell to ring. A member of staff will come to the door to meet you. This is to ensure the safety and security of our patients and also establish it is appropriate for you to enter and that procedures are not currently underway. Please bear with us if it takes a while to answer the door, it may be busy.

The intensive care unit may be noisy and, for some people, it can feel a little overwhelming. Your relative may be connected to monitors, drips and machines and may look slightly different due to their critical illness. You may hear beeps and flashing on the monitors. Try not to be unnerved by this, it is quite normal. The alarms are set as an early prompt to the slightest change in the patient’s condition. We will happily explain these if would like us to do so.

Your relative may be unconscious as a result of their illness or the medication given to them to keep them comfortable. They may be able to hear and feel you even if they cannot respond. Although it may feel strange, talk to them normally and let them known you are there. You may wish to hold their hand; the nurse can help you do this safely.

You can bring in personal items to make your relative more comfortable, such as a small wash bag, glasses, dentures, and razors. Music and photographs may help.

We have a very comfortable visitor’s area for you to use while your relative is with us. It is well equipped with facilities to make drinks, watch TV and pass the time. There is also a small outdoor courtyard but please remember the hospital is a no-smoking site.

When a person no longer needs our specialist skills they will be transferred to a ward to continue their recovery.