You will be asked to introduce yourself to the reception staff when you arrive in the unit. The care team will explain certain aspects of the organization of the department before directing you to the unit or room where your loved one is being treated. In the intensive care unit, care is numerous and very precisely organized. For the comfort and privacy of the patient, you may be asked to leave the room during treatment.
Patients in intensive care are particularly fragile and so hygiene measures are therefore fundamental to avoid the risk of infection. In some cases, the patient may be infectious, and hygiene measures will be aimed at protecting you as well. During the visits, you will be asked to:
Always wash your
hands in and hands out
of the room
Avoid visits of any kind of person with a infectious disease. When in doubt, and at the slightest symptom, wear a mask.
Flowers and plants can carry germs that are harmless to healthy people but dangerous to frail patients in intensive care
In some cases, staff may ask you to wear a mask or gown. It is important to follow these rules to protect the patient. If you need to wear a mask, it is essential that you do not remove it during the entire time you are in the room.
It is important to think about who will visit the patient: everyone in the ICU is in a very vulnerable state, and does not necessarily want to be seen in that state. It may be wise to limit visits to those closest and most intimate. In addition, intensive care often means that patients are naked under a light gown. Although the care teams take great care to preserve their privacy, the patient may move and uncover himself. Please ask permission before entering the room so that we can ensure the patient’s privacy.
Visits to children in intensive care are often allowed but must be well supervised. The child must have expressed the desire to visit the patient and must be prepared by the team: first simple explanations, then accompaniment in the room. It is also important to talk about it with him afterwards so that he is not left with images or feelings that are too difficult to deal with alone. Keep in mind that what impresses a child is not always what impresses an adult. Learn more about managing stress.
Feel free to bring drawings made by your children for the patient: they can be hung in the room.