We have an open visiting policy. Relatives, carers and friends may visit at any time, but if the patient needs to receive care you will be asked to wait. It is often better to visit in the afternoon or evening as the unit tends to be less busy.

When a patient is first admitted and for a period afterwards, visiting may be restricted to close family and friends only.

Three visitors are allowed at the bedside at any one time, so we recommend that you do not visit in large groups.

Please speak to the nurse in charge if you would like to bring children to visit family on the unit.

If you are feeling unwell, you will be asked to avoid coming into the clinical care area in order to lower the risk of infection to our patients.

Always use alcohol gel to clean your hands when entering and leaving the unit. This simple measure helps us with the prevention and control of infection.

We're sorry but we do not allow flowers due to certain bugs that can grow in the water.

When you arrive at Critical Care, please use the intercom and a member of staff will come to the door to meet you. This is to ensure the safety and security of our patients and also establish it is appropriate for you to enter and that procedures are not currently underway. Please bear with us if it takes a while to answer the door, it may be busy.

The intensive care unit may be noisy, and, for some people, it can feel a little overwhelming. Your relative may be connected to monitors, drips and machines and may look slightly different due to their critical illness. You may hear beeps and flashing on the monitors. Try not to be unnerved by this, it is quite normal. The alarms are set as an early prompt to the slightest change in the patient’s condition. We will happily explain these if would like us to do so.Your relative may be unconscious as a result of their illness or the medication given to them to keep them comfortable. They may be able to hear and feel you even if they cannot respond. Although it may feel strange, talk to them normally and let them known you are there. You may wish to hold their hand; the nurse can help you do this safely.

You can bring in personal items to make your relative more comfortable, such as a small wash bag, glasses, dentures, and razors. Music and photographs may help.

We have a very comfortable visitor’s area for you to use while your relative is with us. It is well equipped with facilities to make drinks, watch TV and pass the time. There is also a small outdoor courtyard but please remember the hospital is a no-smoking site.

When a person no longer needs our specialist skills, they will be transferred to a ward to continue their recovery.

Many children find it helpful to visit a close family member in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), especially if they know what to expect. Visiting can help them understand what is happening, feel included, and reduce feelings of worry, fear.

Choosing whether a child should visit is a personal decision. As a parent or family member, you know your child best. We encourage you to talk to the nurses and doctors looking after your relative. They can help you decide if a visit is right for your child and give advice on how to make the visit as comfortable as possible. Children should never be forced to visit, and their feelings and wishes should always be taken into account.

Things to think about

Babies under 1 year old have immune systems that are still developing. While the risk is low, there is a small chance of picking up an infection in a hospital. Please speak to the clinical team and follow any advice about preventing infection. Children who are unwell should not visit.

Before the visit, talk to your child about what they might see and hear. Their relative may look different from normal and may have tubes, drips, bandages, or medical equipment around them. These devices are helping with their treatment and care. Knowing this beforehand can make the visit less scary.

Encourage your child to ask questions and let them know it is okay to share their feelings before, during, and after the visit. Answer their questions honestly, using words they can understand. The ICUsteps website has useful information and resources for parents, carers, children, and young people who have a loved one in intensive care. These resources can help you prepare your child for a visit and answer any questions they may have.

For more information, visit: https://icusteps.org/assets/files/activity-book/infosheet.pdf.