ICU-Intensive Care Unit

Welcome to the Intensive Care Unit

The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Babcock University Teaching Hospital (BUTH) provides a high standard of care 24 hours per day, utilizing state-of-the-art technology and nursing skill. It is a 9-bed facility, staffed with nurses who have special training to provide compassionate care using their skills and advanced equipment.

The ICU team provides comprehensive care to patients with a wide range of critical illnesses, including:

  • Severe respiratory distress
  • Cardiovascular failure
  • Sepsis
  • Multi-organ failure
  • Neurological injuries
  • Post-operative complications

Medical Care

Medical care is provided on several wards throughout the hospital and includes disorders involving the respiratory, cardiovascular, renal-urinary neurologic, endocrine, gastrointestinal, haematologic, and/or musculoskeletal system. Emphasis is placed on patient care as well as safe and effective pain management.

Paediatric Care

Paediatric care is provided to children from infancy, including immunization/vaccination.

Surgical Services

The surgical services unit provides preoperative nursing care to patients of all ages on a scheduled basis Monday through Friday and on an emergency basis. The surgical patient population includes patients requiring general surgery, urology, ENT, and orthopaedic procedures etc.

Other Services

Other services include general nursing and ambulance nursing care.

What to expect in the ICU

If you or a loved one is admitted to the ICU, you can expect to receive the highest level of care from our team of experts. We will work closely with you and your family to keep you informed of your condition and treatment plan.

The ICU is a busy and complex environment, so it is important to be prepared. Here are some things to expect:

  • Visitors: Visiting hours are limited in the ICU to protect the privacy and well-being of our patients. Please check with the ICU staff for specific visiting hours.
  • Noise: The ICU can be a noisy place, with alarms from medical equipment and the sounds of staff working. We will do our best to minimize noise, but it is important to be aware of this before you visit.
  • Equipment: Patients in the ICU are often connected to a variety of medical equipment, such as ventilators, heart monitors, and IV drips. This equipment is used to monitor the patient’s condition and provide life support.

What to do in an emergency situation

If you or a loved one is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. The emergency medical services (EMS) team will assess the patient’s condition and transport them to the nearest hospital.

If the patient is brought to BUTH, the EMS team will deliver them to the emergency department. Emergency department staff will evaluate the patient’s condition and determine if they need to be admitted to the ICU.

Additional information for people in emergency situations

If you are facing an emergency situation involving a loved one who needs critical care, it is important to remain calm and follow the instructions of the EMS team and hospital staff. Here are some additional tips:

  • Be prepared to provide information about your loved one’s medical history, including any allergies or medications they are taking.
  • Ask questions about your loved one’s condition and treatment plan.
  • Be supportive and encouraging to your loved one.

Remember that the ICU team is there to help your loved one recover. They will do everything they can to provide the best possible care.