The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at St. John's cares for critically ill patients who need maximum medical attention, around the clock care, monitoring and special medical equipment.

Our ICU offers an "intensivist" model. This means we have doctors on site who are specially trained to care for ICU patients. They work together with a patient's primary doctor and ICU nurses to coordinate care.

Visiting guidelines

Visits from family members can be important during recovery, so St. John's ICU has an open visiting policy. However, because the needs of our patients vary greatly, visiting guidelines may differ from patient to patient.

• For critically ill patients, we ask that no more than two visitors be in a patient's room at a time.
• Children under the age of 12 are not allowed to visit in the unit, except in special circumstances. Please discuss children's visits with nursing staff prior to bringing them in. We ask that an adult accompanies children in the ICU unit and waiting rooms.
• If visitors are unwell, we ask that they limit visits. When needed, masks are available at the nurses' station.

Please note that visitors may be restricted:

• At the request of the patient
• During invasive procedures
• During the first hour after surgery (at the nurse's discretion)
• During change of shift or rounds, as follows:
  • 7 to 8 am
  • 3 to 4 pm
  • 7 to 7:30 pm
  • 11 to 11:30 pm

Communication

It is important to us to provide each family with up-to-date information. So nursing staff can spend as much time with the patient as possible, we ask families to select a spokesperson to communicate the patient's condition to family and friends. Phones are available in the ICU waiting rooms.

When a patient's condition changes, ICU staff will seek out the spokesperson. A family conference may also be scheduled to give updates, share information about care and treatment, and make medical decisions.

We ask that family take all valuables and personal articles home during hospitalization. The hospital is not responsible for lost items.

Spiritual Care

Our hospital chaplains make daily rounds to offer prayer, spiritual and emotional support. A chaplain is also available by calling the hospital operator. Dial 651-232-7000. Our chapel is located on the first floor near the patient elevator and is open daily for prayer and meditation.