Dear Sir or Madam,

Someone close to you is being cared for in the Intensive Care Medicine unit at Tours University Hospital. The whole team — doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants, physiotherapists, psychologist, social worker and administrative staff — is working to provide care tailored as closely as possible to the patient’s condition and personal needs, with the aim of achieving the best possible quality of life. We will keep you regularly informed about changes in their health. You can also help us greatly by answering questions about their previous health and wishes. Except in special circumstances, such as an outbreak of infection, close family members and friends may visit freely at any time, while respecting the patient’s need for rest and the few specific rules of an intensive care unit, which will be explained to you. This may also be a difficult time for you and can lead to anxiety or depression. Please speak to us or to your own doctor if you are struggling. We wish you strength through this period.

Pr Stephan Ehrmann