Transfer from a Critical Care Area

Patients are usually transferred from intensive care when they are able to breathe on their own and no longer need the specialist skills of the critical care team. At this point they may move to High Dependency care.

Where a patient is moved to will depend on the nature of their illness or injuries. Some patients will require further specialist help to assist their recovery and will be transferred to a unit equipped to deal with their particular needs, such as a burns unit or neurological rehabilitation facility. Most patients are transferred to a ward within this hospital.

There will be fewer nurses and less equipment on wards as patients will no longer need intensive one to one care. The more ‘normal’ atmosphere is an important step towards recovery and rehabilitation. Patients discharged from critical care are reviewed on the wards by senior nurses of the Critical Care Outreach Team.

Any period of critical illness can leave patients feeling very weak and it can take a long time for people to recover their full strength. Patients should aim to gradually increase their levels of activity but also ensure that they have proper rest. Patients recovering from critical illness often have poor appetite and difficulty in swallowing. Once your loved one is able to eat, it is often best to begin with regular small tasty snacks rather than big meals.

Many patients make a full recovery and return to their normal lives quite quickly, but in some cases convalescence can take much longer. Some do not recover. Some patients may remain on medication and/or require further treatment in the future.