The aims of the ICU team are to:
- return a quality of life that is acceptable to the patients in their care
- to minimise suffering
- to reduce disability.
If the injury or disease process is overwhelming and these aims cannot be achieved, our further aim is to allow for a compassionate dying process.
ICU is run and staffed by specialist doctors and nurses who have undergone extensive training in intensive care. Other members of our multidisciplinary team include:
- pharmacists
- dietitians
- physiotherapists
- orthotists
- radiographers
- speech therapists
- social workers.
There are 11 beds in the unit. These are split between the ICU and the high dependency unit (HDU). Depending on how sick you may be, you might have your own nurse or a nurse sharing their time with another patient.
The ICU can be a very stressful environment for patients and whānau. We understand the importance of visiting an unwell relative and encourage whānau to do so.
Sometimes the unit may need to close at short notice to all visitors or to those for specific patients. This is so the team can:
- concentrate on patient care
- perform complex treatments
- maintain patient safety
- allow patients to get enough rest.
We also have a limit of 2 visitors per patient for this reason.
We realise this may be inconvenient, but there are good reasons. The patients in ICU are critically unwell.
Do not visit the ICU if you are unwell yourself.
Medical transport by air
The intensive care service — with the Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter Service and Skyline Aviation — also provides a transport service for critically ill patients in Hawke's Bay.
We value your feedback
We aim to help and support you and your whānau through this difficult and stressful time. If there is any way we can provide further assistance, let us know.