An Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has many features, including advanced monitoring, specialised staff, complex treatments, one on one care and a multi-disciplinary approach.

Advanced Monitoring:  Patients are closely monitored using sophisticated equipment that continuously tracks vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and more.

Specialised Staff:  ICUs are staffed by a highly trained team of healthcare professionals, including intensivists (physicians specialising in critical care), nurses, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare specialists.

Complex Treatments:  ICUs are equipped to deliver complex medical treatments and interventions, such as ventilators for breathing support, intravenous medications, hemofiltration and other lifesaving therapies.

One on One Care:  The nurse patient ratio in most ICU departments is 1:1 around the clock, in comparison to a ward where it is often 1:4, 1:6 or even more. With so many machines and tubes this allows for immediate response to any changes in a patient’s condition.

Multi-disciplinary Approach:  Care in the ICU often involves collaboration across various medical and allied health specialties, to provide a wholistic approach tailored to each patient's needs.