ICU

Intensive care units (ICUs) are specialist hospital wards that provide treatment and monitoring for people who are very ill. They are sometimes known as critical care units or intensive therapy units. ICUs are usually found in larger hospitals. They have more staff and equipment than other wards, and are often linked to operating theatres and other specialist areas such as imaging departments. Patients in an ICU may be very ill and need close monitoring. They may be connected to machines that help them breathe or pump blood around their body. ICU staff include doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and dietitians. Patients usually stay in an ICU for a few days, but some may need to stay for weeks or even months.