The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) provides advanced monitoring and treatment to people who are severely ill, suffering from multi-organ failure or are unable to breathe on their own.
Depending the illness, the patient may need to be transferred to a different ICU with specialized services in Kelowna or Kamloops, our two Tertiary level ICUs. Once their condition improves and they can be cared for closer to home, they will be transferred as appropriate.
Visitors to the ICU are usually limited to immediate family or significant others. Visiting hours are flexible, but speak to a nurse about when it is best to visit.
See our hospital visiting guidelines for more information.
There may be additional local guidance during times of elevated COVID 19 activity.
Designating a family spokesperson
The family will be asked to choose a spokesperson and to decide who may visit. The spokesperson will:
Be the main person point of communication for the health-care team about the patient’s condition and the plan of care
Coordinate visiting permission and information with extended family and friends
A substitute decision maker may also be required. Expand the Decision Making and Care Planning text on this page for information about the role of the substitute decision maker.
Visiting with children
Consult with a nurse if you want to bring a child into the ICU. Children must be able to follow all infection control measures, especially hand washing, and be under direct adult supervision at all times. Consider that children may react strongly to an ICU environment and visiting may not be appropriate.
Family space
A private space for family may be available by request. Speak to a nurse to make this request.
Photos
To protect the privacy of other patients and families, speak to the nurse before taking any personal photos.
Language services
Interpreters and translation services are available. For more information, visit our Hospital Amenities & Services page.
Cultural diversity
The values of respect, caring and trust characterize our relationships. Please keep these values in mind when you interact with people in the ICU.
We are committed to providing quality care that respects the dignity of all individuals without discrimination. We appreciate you for respecting our diverse staff.
In the ICU, your loved one may be connected to many lines and equipment to help staff monitor and assess any change in their condition
Your loved one may not be able to look after themselves. Staff will provide for their basic needs as necessary. Physiotherapists will also work with them to regain their strength while in hospital
When visiting a loved one in the ICU, keep the following in mind:
Your loved one may be sedated for comfort while all the tubes and machines are attached. Use of restraints is sometimes necessary for their safety and well-being
We encourage you to speak to your loved one as they may still be able to hear you even though they may not look awake
Try to stay calm while visiting and provide the comfort and support they need
Clean your hands before and after visiting your loved one. This is essential to prevent the spread of infection
Do NOT visit if you are sick. Patients in the ICU are very ill and are more sensitive to outside illnesses. Their condition could worsen if they are in contact with germs
Follow safety precautions, such as wearing gloves, gowns or masks if your loved one is being isolated due to their condition
Medical Care for Your Loved One
Treatment for your loved one includes the following:
Tests: Patients may need blood tests and X-rays daily and more often if needed. A variety of other diagnostic tests may be ordered. MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. Library of Medicine, is a good resource that explains many different types of diagnostic tests
Rounds: The health-care team providing care for your loved one meets several times a day to review their changing conditions and needs. Visiting may be restricted during this time to maintain confidentiality for all patients and families
Family conferences: The doctor will meet to update you about your loved one’s condition and the plan for care. You can request a meeting through a nurse or social worker.
It is often uncertain how long a patient will stay in the ICU. Talk to the doctor about what to expect for your loved one’s length of stay.
Your loved one may be unable to communicate their needs or wishes. With the support of the health-care team, a temporary substitute decision maker may be needed to make necessary legal decisions on behalf of the patient.
This may or may not be the same person as the spokesperson, which is explained above underneath the Visiting a patient in the ICU expandable text. The health care team will keep both of these individuals, and any other representative the family identifies, fully informed of conditions and plans for treatment.
Role of a substitute decision maker
The substitute decision maker:
Informs the health care team if the patient has legally documented wishes about being put on life support
Informs the health care team about the patient’s thoughts or wishes about being put on life support when no legal documentation exists
Makes decisions based on the patient’s best interests when the substitute decision maker has no knowledge of the patient’s wishes regarding life support
Identifying a substitute decision maker
If the patient signed a legal representation agreement naming a decision maker, this person will be required to sign consents on behalf of the patient.
If the patient hasn’t identified a substitute decision maker, the first person who qualifies and is available (in the following order) will be assigned the role:
Qualifications to be a substitute decision maker include:
If no one qualifies, then a person will be authorized by the public guardian and trustee.
Advance care planning
The doctor will discuss your loved one’s condition and treatment plan with the family. As appropriate, limitations to treatment may be discussed
You may wish to discuss plans for future health care. One important consideration is making informed decisions about Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). CPR is not always appropriate for all patients
The health-care team will transfer your loved one to an appropriate unit once their condition has improved. The team, which may include: medical and nursing staff, physiotherapy, social work, spiritual care, occupational therapy, speech pathology, etc., will support your loved one during this time. They are part of recovery and will answer any questions
Common reactions
Concern about serious, and possibly long-term health issues
Disappointment and frustration over continuing illness and length of stay
Relief that condition may be improving
We understand that a patient’s needs are unique. We would like to hear from you so we can create a care plan that best suits your personal needs. Your health care team, which may include: medical and nursing staff, physiotherapy, social work, spiritual care, occupational therapy, speech pathology, etc., will support you during this time. They are part of your recovery and will answer any questions from you or your family.
For more information about caring for your loved one or yourself after ICU, please look through this website from the Society of Critical Care Medicine.
If you’d like to provide feedback on care received in one of our ICUs, please complete our ICU Patient and Family Survey and enter code - RD38XXWMM.
The survey can also be accessed directly using this QR Code:
If you’re unhappy with the service you received, you’re encouraged to speak with the person who provided the service, or to the manager of the area. All patients and families are encouraged to try and resolve any issues at the time and place care is received.
If you still feel your concern has not been adequately addressed, you can contact the IH Patient Care Quality Office directly for further action.
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