The 21-bed Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (ICU), known as 56 ICU, is staffed by trained intensive care physicians, fellows in intensive care and house physicians, who are available at all times to speak with patients and their families. Skilled ICU nurse practitioners, nurses, respiratory, physical and occupational therapixts, pharmacists, dieticians, social work, and pastoral care personnel provide a full continuum of care.
Patients receive the most advanced care in life support in one of the best hospitals in the world. Procedures intended to preserve life and improve recovery include:
Placement of a breathing tube, and use of a machine to help with breathing.
Placement of tubes in the large veins and arteries to measure blood pressure, administer medication, or to determine heart function.
Placement of tubes in the chest cavity to drain trapped air or fluid.
Placement of a spinal needle (spinal tap) to collect fluid to check for meningitis or other inflammation.
shocking the heart to restore normal heart beat.
insersion of laparoscopic instruments to look for blockage or infection in the lungs.
Visiting Hours
You may visit your loved one any time of the day or night, unless their visit hours have been modified by their physicians for health reason. Visit are restricted to two people at a time, and are limited to family or close companions. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted in the ICU for their own safety.
For critically ill patients, rest is a priority. A gentle touch or quiet presence can be very reassuring to the patient without disturbing the healing process. Please do not bring food or drink into the area.
Overnight Accommodations
There are many local hotels that offer reduced rates and shuttle services to and from the hospital. Please ask the nurse for information. Also, visitors can stay at Barnes Lodge, which is located close to the hospital and has a shuttle service. The Lodge has cooking and laundry facilities. Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Nightly cost is $25 per person. Call 314-652-4319 for more information.