Intensive Care
The Intensive Care Unit consists of an interdisciplinary team that cares for patients who are critically ill. We are a mixed Intensive Care/Cardiac Care Unit (ICU/CCU) consisting of 8 beds. We have specialized support and monitoring for patients with serious, and often life-threatening conditions.
Information for visitors
- We believe in patient and family centered care. This means we encourage family to be present as much as possible during the patient’s stay. This includes being a part of daily rounds with the care team.
- Visiting hours are not restricted, but this is based on the patient’s needs and we are sensitive to our patients’ needs for rest.
- If you have a large family, please designate a spokesperson to share patient information and updates.
Services & features
- Code Blue Team: our nurses have specialized training to respond to patients who need immediate lifesaving measures. The purpose of a code blue is to provide immediate qualified personnel to assist with acute cardiac arrest or respiratory crisis.
- Rapid Response Team: the Rapid Response Team is a group of specially-trained clinicians who provide critical care expertise to patients throughout the hospital.
- Mechanical ventilation: supports breathing through a tube and machine. A Respiratory Therapist adjusts the settings as required.
- Cardiac monitor: a registered nurse monitors the patient’s heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels. The monitor can trigger an alarm inside the room and at the nursing station.
- Hemodynamic support: patients may need powerful medications to raise their blood pressure or heart rate. These medications are given intravenously, and require the patient to be on continual monitoring.
- Central lines: these are intravenous lines that may need to be placed in a patient’s veins in the neck or groin area. They are used to give fluids and medications.
- Dialysis: we offer two forms of dialysis. One is a continuous, ongoing renal replacement therapy. The second is intermittent hemodialysis, which is administered over 2-6 hours.
- Diagnostic imaging: we work with the Diagnostic Imaging team to provide diagnostic tests when patients need them.
Our team
Our multidisciplinary team includes:
- Registered Nurse: responsible for bedside care
- Intensivist: a physician with special ICU training responsible for coordinating patient care
- Nurse Practitioner: responsible for procedures, medication, tests and overall patient care
- Physiotherapist: responsible for patient mobilization and rehabilitation
- Dietician: ensures dietary needs are met throughout the hospital stay
- Pharmacist: ensure patients receive appropriate medication
- Registered Respiratory Therapist: responsible for breathing treatments, including breathing tubes and ventilators
- Social Worker: assists patients and families with financial and legal affairs
- Unit Clerk: manages unit flow and is often the first person you speak to on the phone
- Spiritual Care staff: provide emotional and spiritual support to the patient and loved ones
- Support staff: includes Unit Attendants and Housekeeping staff who restock supplies and help maintain a safe and clean environment
- Family: includes a patient’s relatives and friends
Contact
2nd Floor, Unit 24
Grey Nuns Community Hospital
1100 Youville Drive West
Edmonton, AB T6L 5X8
Phone: 780.735.7026