Phelps Health’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) provides specialized care to patients who need the monitoring and support offered in a critical care setting. Critical care helps people with life-threatening injuries and illnesses. Our team of healthcare providers offer close and constant attention to patients.
At Phelps Health, we understand that being admitted to the ICU can be an overwhelming experience for patients and their loved ones. Our healthcare providers are skilled at keeping open lines of communication to ensure all parties are well-informed about the status of patients. Families are encouraged to ask questions of the healthcare team to make sure that everyone has a common understanding of the health condition and the care plan.
Because the ICU is a high-risk, specialty unit, certain rules apply to the unit to ensure the safety and privacy of patients during their stay. Please see below for special considerations.
ICU Visitation
The ICU is open to visitors 24 hours a day; however, recommended visiting hours are tailored to meet each patient’s unique needs and are determined at the discretion of the attending physician. The ICU is closed to visitors from 6:45-7:45 AM and 6:45-7:45 PM every day.
Fresh cut flowers are not allowed in patient rooms.
ICU Overnight Stay Guidelines
Having loved ones in the ICU can be a difficult and stressful time. We encourage you to return home to rest at night, if possible. The ICU waiting room is provided for the comfort and convenience of family members of ICU patients if an overnight stay is desired. Blankets and fold-out beds are available during night-time hours. Personal care items can be bought in the Lily Pad Gift Shop, which is located inside the Main Entrance of the hospital.
ICU Child Visitation Policy
Due to the potential infection risk and challenging emotional experience, children under the age of 12 are not allowed to visit the ICU. Special considerations may be given under certain circumstances.
Spiritual Support
Phelps Health offers emotional and spiritual support for families during times of crisis. The non-denominational chapel is located on the first floor next to the Emergency Department. At patients’ requests, the hospital's chaplain often sees patients before their minister is aware of the hospitalization and acts as a liaison for local clergy. With the permission of patients, the chaplain can call the family pastor, priest, rabbi or other religious leader on behalf of the patients if additional support is needed.