Intensive care
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. Others may need to stay in the ICU for months, or may deteriorate there. Many people who leave an ICU will make a good recovery. But sometimes there can be lingering problems, such as: weakness and stiffness fatigue (extremetiredness) and a lack of energy loss of appetiteand weight loss sleep problems depression , anxietyor post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) problems with mental abilities for example, not being able to think clearly, and being forgetful These problems can last several months.Get medical adviceif they are a persistent issue for you or a loved one. Some people may require ongoing support and treatment (rehabilitation) to help them recover.
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Introduction
Find out about intensive care units (ICUs), specialist hospital wards for people who are seriously ill.
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
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
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
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
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
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