Intensive care unit
What is an ICU?
An intensive care unit (or ICU) is a specialised ward that provides critical care for seriously ill or injured people. It sometimes also cares for patients who have just had serious or complex medical procedures (for example, open heart surgery). ICU staff are trained and experienced in providing intensive care for any reason you might need it.
Located across Australia, Ramsay Health Care's intensive care units are equipped with advanced technology and staffed by experienced, highly trained teams.
While no one wants to need intensive care, you can trust our team to provide expert support and compassionate care every step of the way.
What to expect in ICU
Below is a general guide to what you might see and experience in an ICU. Click on the plus sign (+) on the right-hand side of any heading for more information.
What does an ICU do?
In ICU, patients receive continuous, closely monitored care to support their vital organs and give the body time to heal.
This care may include:
- advanced monitoring of the heart, lungs and other organs
- breathing support through a ventilator
- dialysis for kidney support
- medications to assist heart function or blood pressure
- intravenous fluids, nutrition or medications
The ICU team is specially trained to respond quickly to changes and provide life-saving care when it’s needed.
What you might see and hear
We understand that the ICU can feel overwhelming. The environment is highly specialised, and there are often unfamiliar sights and sounds which are all part of the care process.
Common features in the ICU include:
- patients connected to machines, such as heart monitors or ventilators
- tubes for breathing, nutrition, fluids or medications
- beeping sounds and alarms from monitors – these help staff keep track of vital signs and respond quickly if needed
These systems allow the ICU team to closely monitor and care for patients around the clock. The care team is always nearby and ready to explain what’s happening or offer reassurance when needed.
Visiting someone in ICU
Every hospital has its own visiting rules. To find your hospital’s rules, go to the 'Visiting' page on their website.
Some common rules for visiting an ICU include:
- fewer visitors and shorter visiting hours
- immediate family only
- no phones
- no flowers
- no visiting when you’re unwell (even a sniffle)
Many ICUs also offer virtual visiting using iPads.
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