About ICU

What Patients and Families Should Know?

Being admitted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) — or having a loved one there — can be unexpected, overwhelming, and emotionally challenging. At ICAN Critical Care, we recognise the importance of keeping patients and their families informed, supported, and reassured throughout their ICU journey.

This section answers common questions about ICU care at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, where our intensivists provide 24/7 consultant-led management in the Surgical and Transplant ICUs. We are here to guide you every step of the way.

Why ICU?

Patients are admitted to the ICU when they are critically ill or recovering from major surgery and need continuous monitoring, organ support, or advanced interventions. This may include breathing support (ventilation), dialysis, circulatory support, or complex post-transplant management.

The ICU environment is designed for close observation, advanced technology, and rapid response to changes in a patient’s condition. ICU patients are cared for by a team of doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, led by a specialist intensivist.

What to Expect in ICU

• Patients may be connected to various medical devices, including monitors, ventilators, IV lines, feeding tubes, and other equipment, all of which are used to support organ function and facilitate recovery.
• One nurse typically cares for only one or two patients at a time to allow for constant, personalised attention.
• Sedation and pain medication are often used to keep patients comfortable and allow healing. These are carefully adjusted as patients improve.
• It is normal for ICU patients to appear swollen or unresponsive, especially early on. This is usually temporary and part of the body’s response to illness and treatment.

Communication and Support

We aim to communicate regularly and clearly with families. A designated family member is often chosen as the main contact person, allowing staff to provide updates efficiently and consistently.

Families are encouraged to:

• Ask questions and voice concerns to the ICU team.
• Bring comforting items such as photographs, music, or books.
• Keep patient diaries — these can help patients understand their ICU stay once they recover.
• Limit the number of visitors at any one time and follow all hygiene precautions.

Infection Control

Because ICU patients are vulnerable to infection, we ask all visitors to:

• Wash their hands before and after entering the unit.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
• Remove jewellery and roll up sleeves.
• Avoid visiting if unwell.

After ICU

Recovery after ICU is often a gradual process. Some patients are transferred to a high-care or general ward before being discharged home. Others may need ongoing rehabilitation, follow-up appointments, or counselling.

It is common to experience:

• Physical weakness and fatigue
• Difficulty sleeping
• Memory gaps, nightmares, or emotional distress
• Changes in appetite, taste, or mood

If you or your loved one has questions about recovery or needs further support, our ICU team can help coordinate appropriate follow-up and referrals.