FAQs

There are many reasons why someone might need to be admitted to an ICU. Typically, it’s because they require close monitoring and specialised care that can’t be provided on a regular hospital ward.

The Recovery after Critical Illness team will be on hand to support you both physically and psychologically following your critical illness.  Although we do not routinely see all patients who leave ICU if you feel you would benefit from our support please do not hesitate to get in touch with the team.  Phone 0118 322 7248 or email raci@royalberkshire.nhs.uk

Physical recovery from a critical illness can take time.  Our RaCI physiotherapist will be on hand should you need any advice or support following your discharge from ICU.

Using a speaking valve can be incredibly tiring and patients will require a lot of energy and effort to use them.  The multidisciplinary team will work closely with you to assess whether a speaking valve is possible whilst ensuring that your safety is maintained at all times. 

Drinking with a tracheostomy can be challenging due to several factors:

Aspiration Risk: Liquids can accidentally enter the trachea (windpipe) instead of the oesophagus (food pipe), leading to aspiration, which can cause choking or lung infections.

Altered Swallowing Mechanics: The tracheostomy tube bypasses the larynx (voice box) and vocal cords, which normally help close off the trachea during swallowing.

Reduced Sensation: The presence of the tracheostomy tube can reduce the sensation in the throat, making it harder to coordinate swallowing.

Cuffed Tubes: If the tracheostomy tube has an inflated cuff, it can further impede the normal swallowing process.

Patients will work with Speech and Language Therapists (SLT) to improve their swallowing techniques and may start with thicker fluids, which are easier to control.

The Consultant of the day/night conducts formal ward rounds away from the patient’s bedside in the morning and evening, this allows them to review test results, develop treatment plans, and monitor patient progress. In addition to this, the Consultant of the day/night will conduct a bedside ward round with their team in the mid-morning and at night.

ICU delivers round the clock care for its patients. The Consultant and medical team will be available throughout the night and they will conduct a bedside ward round at the beginning of their shift.  Nursing staff working at the bedside will care for patients on a one to one or one to two basis depending on the patient’s acuity (how unwell they are) and their individual needs.   

Visiting at the bedside is limited to two people at any one time, however in extenuating circumstances this can be reviewed with the Consultant and Nurse in Charge.

Many patients experience post-intensive care syndrome (PICS), which includes physical, cognitive, and psychological impairments. Symptoms like muscle weakness, cognitive decline, and PTSD. Recovery from a critical illness can take time and from our experience we have found it is measured in months and years.