Intensive care in Savannah, Georgia
No one ever expects to end up in the intensive care unit (ICU). However, if you or a loved one is critically ill or injured, you can feel confident knowing they are in capable, experienced hands in the ICUs at Memorial Health. Our patients receive around-the-clock monitoring and family-centered care.
Specialized ICUs
We have several specialized ICUs, including:
- Cardiovascular ICU (CVICU)
- Medical ICU
- Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
- Neuro ICU (NICU)
- Pediatric ICU (PICU)
- Trauma ICU (TICU)
The professionals in all of our ICUs provide individualized treatment for every patient. Our doctors and nurses are trained to provide care at a moment's notice to ensure our patients experience the best possible outcomes.
In the ICU, we use specialized equipment, including advanced heart monitors, ventilators for breathing assistance, feeding tubes and catheters. Additionally, patients may receive medications to manage their pain or hemodialysis treatment to filter water and other waste products from their blood.
Multidisciplinary critical care team
The team of healthcare professionals in our ICUs provide care in a range of specialties. Our team includes:
- Chaplains
- Dietitians
- Doctors
- Nurse practitioners
- Nurses
- Pharmacists
- Physical therapists
- Physician assistants
- Respiratory therapists
- Social workers
When a patient is admitted to the ICU, we ask either the patient or a trusted family member identify one to two representatives. These representatives become the patient's support person(s) to receive medical information and updates on the patient's condition.
Each support person will be issued a personal identification number (PIN) to ensure patient privacy and protect their information. When calling for information about the patient's condition, we will ask for the PIN to ensure the caller is approved to receive the information.
We ask for the support person communicates updates to family and friends. At times, they may be asked to make decisions and act on behalf of a patient.
ICU visiting guidelines
Our ICU has several processes in place to help our patients heal:
- Masking is required for all visitors including in the patient rooms.
- The care team practices patient bedside report during shift change from 6:30am to 7:30am and 6:30pm to 7:30pm. Entrance to the unit may be delayed as the care team will be in the rooms with your loved ones. This time is important so every member of the care team is informed about the patient's care.
- Quiet time occurs daily from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. This time encourages our patients to rest.
- Please wash your hands at the sinks as you enter the unit.
- No more than two (2) visitors are allowed at a patient's bedside at a time. This is subject to change based on the patient’s condition.
- Please note live plants, cut flowers, fruit baskets and outside food are not permitted.
- Personal items are allowed but we suggest limiting the number of items brought into the unit.
- Cards and non-latex balloons are welcomed and encouraged for our ICU patients.