This section focuses on the wellbeing for families and friends of patients who are admitted to ICU.
Caring for a loved one in ICU can be an incredibly challenging and emotional experience. There are a variety of resources which you may find helpful in managing and navigating this difficult time.
Please do reach out to a member of clinical staff (nurses and Doctors) if you do require support during this time, we are always happy to support where we can.
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Talking Therapies
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/nhs-talking-therapies/
Get support as soon as possible to minimise the impact
ICU Steps Charity Information Page
Sections on: Information for friends, relatives and visitors. The early days, looking after yourself, if you’re unhappy with patient care, if the patient is your partner, when the patient comes out of ICU and if the patient does not survive
https://icusteps.org/information/guide-to-intensive-care/for-relatives
Having a relative or friend admitted to the Intensive Care Unit is an extremely stressful and unsettling time. It is important that this time to also look after yourself. It is normal to experience feelings of guilt when being away from your loved one while in hospital, but you need to have regular breaks away from the hospital environment. Your relative will be well cared for and staff can contact you immediately if required or if there is a change to their medical condition.
Eating and sleeping can be a challenge at this time, it is vital to take the time to eat and rest when you can. So that you are able to care for the patient when required.
Royal Berkshire ICU can offer free parking to a nominated friend or relative for the duration of their ICU stay. Additional help with meal vouchers for the hospital canteen can be offered to visitors. Please ask a member of our staff for more details if you do not already have them.
Our visiting hours are flexible and have no time ‘off limits’ but we do again encourage you to go home to rest regularly and overnight. We have overnight accommodation with the Intensive Care Unit available for relatives at the discretion of the Nurse in Charge.
Many friends and family will be concerned for the patient, and will be wanting regular updates. It can feel overwhelming at times to constantly be relaying information and replying to questions. It may be easier to nominate one person to distribute information for you or to pass on information via a group chat or email.