Dear Sir or Madam,

Someone close to you has just been admitted to our intensive care unit. We know that this can be an overwhelming experience, bringing worry, questions and sometimes a profound sense of helplessness, whether the person in hospital is an adult or a child.

This document is intended to support you throughout the hospital stay. It provides practical points of reference to help you understand the intensive care environment and how our unit works, together with answers to the questions families ask most often.

Our medical, nursing and allied health teams work day and night to provide highly specialised care that respects every patient’s dignity, safety and individual needs. We also know that you are deeply affected by this experience. We therefore remain available at all times to listen, provide information and support you.

A space has also been set aside for you to express yourself. You can write, draw or leave a message, a thought, an emotion or a memory—whether of joy, fear, hope or vulnerability. These words, whether or not you choose to share them, may help you through this difficult period. For the person in hospital, reading them later may also provide a precious connection and an anchor in the experience you shared.

With our full attention and care,

Professeure Virginie Montiel Cheffe du service des Soins Intensifs Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc