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Intensive Care Unit

The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) cares for adults and children with acute, life threatening conditions. Patients arrive from the emergency department, operating room, and other areas within the Hospital. As well, patients are transferred into the ICU from other hospitals.

With service realignment and the addition of the regional cancer centre, there is an overall growth in the number of acutely ill patients at Grand River Hospital requiring care in the ICU:

• All trauma patients in K-W with multi-system injuries.
• Post-operative and surgical oncology patients.
• New mothers with serious post-partum complications.
• Patients with serious complications due to kidney failure.
• Critically ill paediatric patients with complex health issues.
• All stroke patients for 24 hour monitoring.
• In future, neuro-surgery patients.

The Current Situation

The Intensive Care Unit has not expanded or been renovated in any significant way since the 1950’s. Currently, there are 12 beds in just 4,010 square feet, making rest difficult for patients, and offering little privacy for patients and their families. The ICU has significant limitations for patients requiring isolation. With equipment surrounding each bed, it is very challenging for staff to care for patients.

The Plan

The Intensive Care Unit will be completely redeveloped and expanded to 20 beds in a total area of 15,000 square feet.

• The new ICU will use current space on K-W Health Centre’s 2nd floor, as well as new space constructed on the 1st floor rooftop.
• Individual cubicles with glass partitions will allow for caregiver visibility at all times.
• “Articulating arms” will be attached above each bed. These units will have shelves and clamps for medical equipment and allow for improved caregiver access to patients and equipment.
• The unit will house a mobile x-ray, ultrasound and EEG.
• Five new isolation rooms will provide for state-of-the-art infection control.
• Space designated for families will include a waiting area, kitchenette, washroom with a shower, and two private quiet rooms with sleeper chairs.

The new ICU will provide a private and calming environment, will greatly improve workflow, and ultimately enhance patient care. ICU medical director, Dr. Bill Plaxton says, “The expansion is a positive step not only for the ICU, but also for the entire Hospital. We will be able to provide the best care to the sickest patients, and the most complicated cases”.