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Critical Care
Meet Your Care Team
If you or your loved one needs critical care, these are the people who will help
Inside the Center for Critical Care, you will meet many people. They
all share one thing in common -- a desire to help your loved one
recover as best as possible. Members of the critical care team provide
care 24-hours a day. Each team member plays a special role.
Physicians will direct your loved one’s care. Several different
specialists may be involved, and you will have frequent discussions
with them. One of your physicians will be an intensivist, a doctor who
specializes in taking care of patients while they are in the intensive
care unit.
A
tele-intensivist will provide your loved one with an extra level of
care. These intensivists use state-of-the-art audio and video
monitoring to watch continuously for any changes in your loved one’s
condition—large or small—just as if they were at the patient’s bedside.
They communicate with patients and the care team, allowing the care
team to make any necessary adjustments in care.
Nurses will spend the most time with your loved one. Specially educated
in critical care, they provide hands-on care and continually monitor
your loved one’s condition. Nurses also can arrange for special
services you or your loved one may need, and put you in touch with
other people who can help you.
Respiratory therapists will be at the bedside frequently to help your loved one breathe more comfortably.
Nutritionists will assess nutritional needs and provide dietary recommendations.
Physical and occupational therapists will help your loved one regain strength and flexibility as he heals.
Case managers work with the team to assess and plan the care your loved one will require after leaving the hospital.
Chaplains from pastoral care offer support to patients and families. They are available any time, day or night.
The critical care team knows clear and consistent communication with
you and your loved one is an important part of helping you understand
what happens at the Center for Critical Care. As part of our
commitment, you can expect regular updates on your loved one’s
condition, treatment plan and possible outcomes. We will treat you and
your loved one with respect, patience, understanding and compassion
while you’re in the hospital.
This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
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