What to expect

ICU is a busy place, with many different types of staff performing many different types of tasks. Some of the people you might see in the ICU include:

  • Ward clerk 
    The ward clerk normally sits at the main desk in ICU. They may help with patient phone enquiries and answering the entrance buzzer during business hours
  • Nurse
    A team of nurses will look after you while you are in ICU. They will give you your medications, perform some of the treatments you need (e.g. changing dressings and adjusting equipment settings), and attend to personal cares. They can answer questions you might have about your treatment plan. 
  • Doctors
    A team of intensive care specialist doctors will be responsible for your care. You will also have a team of doctors who each specialise in a unique part of your care (e.g. orthopaedics, oncology, cardiology). All of these doctors will work together as a team to determine the best treatment plan for you.
  • Physiotherapist
    A physiotherapist may work with you while you are in ICU to help get you moving, or to assist with the care of your chest.
  • Social Worker
    You or your family may speak with a social worker if you are feeling overwhelmed by what is happening to you; or to help plan what will happen once you leave ICU.
  • Speech Pathologist
    Speech Pathologists may come to see you if you are having trouble with your eating or drinking, or if you are having trouble communicating 
  • Pharmacist
    You may see a pharmacist in ICU helping the medical and/or nursing teams work out the best medication plan for you 
  • Wards person
    A wards person helps with various tasks around ICU, for instance they may assist in repositioning patients in the bed.
  • Cleaners
    Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is very important in ICU. Cleaners ensure surfaces and bathrooms are clean and rubbish is removed.