When a family member or loved one is critically ill or injured, the Critical Care Unit can be an unsettling environment. We’re here to help.

GREETINGS PATIENTS & FAMILIES

We recognize that this is a very stressful time and that the information being provided to you by the critical care team may seem daunting. Additionally, the various machines and medications being used to support your family member may be overwhelming. This site hopefully will help you through this difficult time. Owing to the unique circumstances of and conditions of each patient, we are not able to provide advice. Rather we hope to help you navigate through terminology and technology.

We hope that you find this information to be of value.

Sincerely,
John T Granton MD FRCPC

THE ROLE OF ICU - WHAT TO EXPECT

What is an ICU?
An ICU (intensive care unit) is a location in a medical facility staffed with specialized personnel who care for critically ill patients. Although the ICU may seem hectic, it is an organized unit that provides high quality care.

Intensice Care Units
Intensive Care Units (ICUs) are specially equipped hospital units that provide highly specialized care, continuous observation and monitoring of critical care patients 24 hours a day. Typically, patients are admitted to the ICU from an emergency room, from an operating room or from another area of the hospital.The care team for ICU patients comprises a multidisciplinary group of physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists and pharmacists who have all been trained in care of critically ill or injured patients.