Intensive Care Unit
The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) specializes in the care of patients with serious and often life-threatening conditions. The multidisciplinary team provides a higher staff-to-patient ratio and access to advanced medical resources and specialized equipment. We encourage family to be present as much as possible and join in daily rounds with the care team. Visiting hours are not restricted, however this is based on our patient’s needs.
Services
- Cardiac monitoring: 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.
- Central lines: these are large intravenous lines that may need to be placed in a patient’s veins in the neck or groin to deliver fluids and medications.
- Arterial lines: a thin catheter inserted into an artery. It is used to monitor blood pressure directly, in real-time measurement and to obtain blood samples.
- Mechanical ventilation: may be required to support breathing through an oral tube and machine. A Respiratory Therapist assess patients and adjusts settings as required.
- Diagnostic Imaging and Laboratory services: we work with these departments to provide diagnostic tests when patients need them.
- Dialysis: this is a mode of treatment cleans the blood when a patient’s kidneys are not functioning. Dialysis requires a large intravenous to be placed in the neck or groin and attached to a machine.
- Code Blue Team: our team has specialized training to respond to patients throughout the hospital who need immediate life-saving measures due to cardiac arrest or respiratory crisis.
- Rapid Response Team: responds to hospitalized patients with early signs of deterioration on non-intensive care units to prevent further deterioration.
Our team
Our multidisciplinary team is specially trained to support patient healing to optimum health. Our team consists of:
- Registered Nurse: responsible for assessment and interventions with the patient
- Intensivist: physician with special ICU training responsible for coordinating patient care
- Nurse Practitioner: responsible for procedures, medications, tests and overall patient care
- Dietician: ensures dietary needs are met during the hospital stay and teaches patients and families about healthy dietary choices
- Pharmacist: ensures patients receive appropriate medications and provides one-on-one education about the use and effects of medications
- Registered Respiratory Therapist: responsible for assessment and interventions with the patient, including mechanical ventilations as needed
- Social Worker: assists patients and families with any social needs
- Unit Clerk: manages unit flow and is often the first person to greet people in person or on the phone
- Health Care Worker: assists with patient care
- Spiritual Care: provides emotional and spiritual support to the patient and family
- Support Staff: help maintain a safe and clean environment
- Family: includes a patient’s relatives and friends
Contact
2nd Floor, Intensive Care Unit
Misericordia Community Hospital
16940 - 87 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5R 4H5
Phone: 780.735.2777