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The Intensive Care Unit
Written by Communications Team   

Our Intensive Care Unit (ICU) provides vital care for the most seriously ill patients around the clock. Patients can be admitted at any time of the day or night and staff have to be ready to start treatment straight away and deal with the unexpected.

The unit has 9 intensive care beds and is staffed by over 80 medical, nursing and administration staff. Using the most modern equipment, the team work together to deliver the highest standard of patient care and offer the best chance of recovery.

But how does it all work? What is day-to-day life actually like for ICU staff? Read on to find out.



It’s all about team work

Den Hallett, Business Unit Service Manager / Matron is responsible for co-ordinating the needs of the ICU directorate, which also includes resuscitation. She manages staffing, budget and resources.

Den Hallett, Business Unit Service Manager / Matron; Sister Sue Cook; Charge Nurse Graeme Gentry; Greg Lew, Housekeeping Assistant; Paul Wills, Resuscitation Manager; Staff Nurse Gemma Smallman and Sister Sue Wilson

Above, from left to right: Den Hallett, Business Unit Service Manager / Matron; Sister Sue Cook; Charge Nurse Graeme Gentry; Greg Lew, Housekeeping Assistant; Paul Wills, Resuscitation Manager; Staff Nurse Gemma Smallman and Sister Sue Wilson


’The patient is central to everything we do and providing good care requires excellent team work; pulling together within the unit and working well with other departments across the ’

’Good communication is key. Occasionally we can plan a patient's admission in advance, such as after elective surgery, but most often it is an emergency. Everyone has to play their part to get them into the unit and clinically stable as quickly as possible.’

’We have access to the best resources in terms of staff and equipment. Standards should be and are high.’ ’Some days in the ICU can be tough, particularly when we lose a patient. Often they have been with us for some time and we get to know the relatives and friends. It's important to remember there can be an impact on staff and colleagues need to support each other.’		    
Den Hallett

Above: Den Hallett



Building upon our strengths

Dr Barry Sellick, Clinical Director and Consultant Anaesthetist, has worked in ICU for over 20 years and describes the unit as strong and forward thinking.

’My role is to lead the unit, building upon its strengths and ensuring we keep up-to date with clinical developments and have access to the best equipment and resources.

The job is varied, clinically challenging and demands a very high standard of patient care.’

’Our remit, however, doesn't end within the four walls of the ICU! In order to offer a comprehensive approach to critical care, our Outreach team go throughout the Trust to monitor patients and share their skills. This means deteriorating patients are identified and treated earlier or a more timely admission can be made to ICU if necessary.’		    
Dr Barry Sellick

Above: Dr Barry Sellick


The nursing team

Sister Sue Cook has worked in ICU for over 30 years and is one of the most experienced members of the nursing team.

’Our nursing staff are organised into four teams, each headed up by a Sister. In addition to their clinical work each team has a specialist interest in areas such as weaning, sedation and neurology. I head up the team with an interest in infection control and privacy and dignity - two of the most important issues facing nursing staff today.’

’We also run a follow up service for recovering patients, particularly those who have been ventilated for a long time, as they can experience various physical or emotional side effects. We check their progress when they are moved to a ward and when they return home.’ ’No matter how challenging a day in ICU is, you have access to the best facilities and expertise and can go home knowing you've done your absolute best.’		    
Sister Sue Cook 

Above: Sister Sue Cook


Training and development

Anil Jaggernath, Clinical Practice Educator develops clinical practices within the ICU and ensures the training needs of nursing staff are met.

’The part of my job I like most is when improvements to patient care are made through implementing new practices. It is also rewarding to see staff develop through the training we offer.’

Laura Kustner, staff nurse, joined the team 8 months ago having never worked in ICU in the UK before. She is completing a 12 month Band 5 Learning Programme under the guidance of Anil and said: ’ICU has been a new environment for me but I have learnt so much.’

Joanna Claxton, Student Nurse, is with ICU on a four week acute care placement. She said: ’Anil facilitates my learning outcomes, which are set by the university. This is a great place to learn and has been my best placement yet.’


Each day is different

Maz Loveridge, Ward Clerk, is responsible for the administration of the ward.

’I love my job as each day is different. I organise the medical records and test results, answer the phone and deal with visitors to the unit.

’When it's busy it's challenging and the work the medical staff do and their dedication to the patients is really impressive.’

 		    
Maz Loveridge

Above: Maz Loveridge



Quick Facts
  • The Outreach team won ’Team of the Year’ in 2008
  • In the past year 464 admissions have been made to ICU
  • The unit has been operating from its current location for 11 years
  • The longest stay for a patient in the unit is 11 months and the shortest stay just a few hours
  • The unit recently become the first in the UK to have a Heliox pipeline system installed, removing the need to use gas cylinders
  • Approximately 35 cardiac arrest crash calls are made across the Trust each month



Above: Laura Kustner, Staff Nurse, Anil Jaggernath, Clinical Practice Educator & Joanna Claxton, Student Nurse



The resuscitation team

Resuscitation is an infrequent but essential part of the job for most clinical staff. The Resuscitation Team are experts in their field and responsible for training all clinical staff in current techniques. Paul Wills, Resuscitation Manager explains: ’We run several resuscitation and life support courses from a basic to advanced level.’

Resuscitation Manager Paul Wills with Resuscitation Officers Katie Freer and Tina Johnson

Resuscitation Manager Paul Wills with Resuscitation Officers Katie Freer & Tina Johnson


’Each day a crash team is on call. When a patient suffers a cardiac arrest a crash call goes out through the switchboard and the team will go to the patient. During the day, a Resuscitation Officer will also attend to ensure the resuscitation is carried out safely.’

’Most cardiac arrest calls come from A&E and the medical wards, but they can come from anywhere and at anytime, so it's vital all staff are properly trained.’

’We also get involved in other aspects of resuscitation and are currently taking part in an international study called ’Aware’. This is a ’near death experience’ study looking at the brain, consciousness and clinical death.’

Sister Sue Wilson and Staff Nurse Tracy Wooldridge

Above: Sister Sue Wilson & Staff Nurse Tracy Wooldridge



Sharing critical care skills

The Outreach programme, run by Senior Specialist Nurse Ingrid Johnson, is a very important element of the work of the ICU directorate.

Sister Sue Wilson explains how the programme works: ’Outreach provides clinical support and critical care skills for all acute ward areas in the Trust. Patients are monitored and allocated a Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS). A worrying score should trigger a call to the Outreach team who will visit the patient and discuss what to do next.’

’Sometimes the patient just needs closer monitoring or on-the-spot treatment can be given to stabilise them. Occasionally admission to the ICU will be necessary and Outreach means this happens as early as possible offering the best chance of recovery.’

Last Updated on Friday, 07 August 2009 11:49