\section{Information for relatives}

\subsection{Dear visitors}

Most people visiting a member of their family in an Intensive Care Unit find the experience unnerving.

In order to offer our patients the best possible care, we believe that a good basis of trust between the patient, his family and our team is of the utmost importance.

We have produced this flyer to inform you about this unit and to offer you assistance in this situation.

\section{General information}

The purpose of the Intensive Care Unit is to offer medical and nursing care as well as supervision for seriously ill people. The M2b Unit has 21 ICU beds. Specially trained nurses, therapists and doctors ensure expert care around the clock.

\subsection{Visits}

At our Intensive Care Unit we offer flexible visiting hours. Many nursing and therapeutic measures tend to be carried out in the morning, which is why we recommend that you visit the patient between 3 pm and 8 pm. We hope you understand that waiting times and interruptions during your visit cannot always be avoided. Individual arrangements with the competent nurse are, however, always possible.

In the interest of your relative and other patients we are asking you to make arrangements with your family to ensure that, as a rule, no more than two members of your family visit at the same time.

\subsection{Medical information via the phone}

Telephone enquiries about the treatment progress of your relative will only be answered by the doctor.

It would be helpful if you could appoint ONE member of your family as contact person for the doctor and nursing staff. Please ask this contact person for information. This way, misunderstandings are avoided and we can ensure only information that the patient agrees to will be passed on.

\subsection{Personal medical information}

If you want to talk to the doctor in person, the competent nurse is happy to arrange this. Please understand that, due to emergency situations, this may not always be possible straight away.

\subsection{Nursing information}

The competent nurse will be happy to provide information about nursing measures.

\subsection{How to reach us}

Tel. (nursing staff): +49 (0) 89 4140-2027 or -2018 or -2064

Tel. (doctors): +49 (0) 89 4140-2009 or -6538

\subsection{Transfers}

The decision as to whether a patient can be transferred is frequently made during the doctor’s round. Transfers tend to take place in the morning. Transfers at short notice can also occur at other times of the day.

\section{How do I as a relative conduct myself?}

\subsection{Entering the Intensive Care Unit}

Please wait after ringing the bell. If it is your first visit, you are picked up at the door and accompanied to your relative.

For reasons of hygiene it is necessary that you disinfect your hands whenever you enter the patient’s room.

If you suffer from a cold or an infectious disease, you may want to reconsider your visit. If you do visit, please inform the nursing staff of your condition.

If a patient suffers from a specific illness, e.g. an infection, he must be put into isolation. Any resulting particularities will be discussed with you.

To ensure that the other patients are disturbed as little as possible, we are asking you to refrain from using mobile phones.

\subsection{Gifts}

For reasons of hygiene, flowers are not permitted in the Intensive Care Unit.

Food and drink should only be brought along after consultation with the nursing staff.

\subsection{Personal belongings}

If your relative were to need personal items during his stay at the Intensive Care Unit, arrangements can be made with the nursing staff.

Unfortunately, pieces of luggage and bags cannot be stored by the Intensive Care Unit.

\subsection{Bed-side manner}

Even if your relative is ventilated and if, because of it, he may have needed to be put to sleep artificially, his sensory organs are not completely switched off. Due to the tube he cannot perceive smells but we know from patients who regained consciousness that, subconsciously, they are aware of familiar voices and touches.

Therefore, we advise you to speak to your relative about ordinary, day-to-day things that happen at home. Do not necessarily expect a reaction. Do not worry about physical contact. The nurse in charge can show you how you can approach your relative without disturbing the medical devices or monitoring equipment.