Specialized Intensive Care Team members represent the various disciplines across the care continuum and demonstrate an integrated and co-ordinated approach. Participation by an intensive care physician would benefit team work and should be pursued. Client profiles have been completed and clients come from within and outside the region. Admission and discharge criteria are in place for both critical and intensive care units. Communication with referral centres is excellent.
Good information is received at time of client transfer.
There is good access to a regional ethics committee for issues associated with referrals. The limiting factor in the referral process is the current number of ventilated beds available. Pre-printed orders and time lines promote consistency. Every effort is made to provide comfort measures such as reassuring clients that they are in control. There is ongoing support for clients and families which is augmented by education, and information pamphlets.