Critical Care

The Critical Care Department provides highly specialist services to people who are critically ill on two units based at both Sandwell and City Hospitals.

Patients are transferred from the Accident and Emergency department, general surgery, paediatrics (specialist care for children), orthopaedics (specialist care for bones and joints) and other services as required.

A dedicated specialist doctor and nursing team are present seven days a week at both hospitals.

The service is complemented by an outreach service, which provides support to staff and patients in general wards, and the long-term follow-up service which supports patients before admission and after discharge.


Services

Every patient in critical care will have a consultant (specialist doctor) who is responsible for their treatment. The level of nursing care a patient in critical care needs will depend on their condition. Some patients will need a nurse to look after them at all times, and others may share a nurse with another patient. We continually assess our patient’s needs throughout the day to make sure they are given the most appropriate care.

Outreach

The critical care outreach team (consisting of specialist nurses) also assist general ward staff in caring for their most seriously ill patients to prevent their condition from worsening and to administer prompt treatment. They can also refer the patient to the critical care unit if needed. The outreach team is also involved in reviewing patients who have been discharged from critical care to the ward, but who still need observation.

Follow-up support service

We also offer a follow-up support service to continue giving our patients support after they have left critical care and when they have returned home. They may also on occasions assist with your care whilst you are staying in the critical care unit. This service offers patients the opportunity to discuss any physical or mental health worries they may have both before and after being discharged from hospital so that appropriate support can be arranged. Patients who have been discharged can become involved in our carer forum/support group which is held four times a year. It provides the opportunity for patients and carers to talk about their experiences in critical care with members of our team.

Pharmacy support

A consultant pharmacist with a specialist interest in critical care is also available for support.

Other Services

Other services include:

  • A dedicated critical care research nurse.
  • A dedicated team of rehabilitation nurses, occupational therapists and a clinical psychologist to offer support.
  • An information booklet and an opportunity to feedback on their experience.

Useful websites

Intensive Care Society (see ‘patients & relatives’)
www.ics.ac.uk


Contacts

If you have a relative or friend being cared for on one of our units, a nominated friend or family member is welcome to call us any time, day or night. When you contact the unit the receptionist will put you through to the nurse who is looking after them. Due to confidentiality we cannot give detailed information over the phone.

City Hospital Critical Care
0121 507 5099 or 0121 507 5098

Sandwell Hospital Critical Care
0121 507 3214

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