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Staff at Craigavon Area Hospital's intensive care unit have spoken of the pride they take in supporting patients and families through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. The reflections came as the Southern Trust marked this year's Intensive Care Week.
This year's theme, 'ICU. I See You.', focused attention on the people working in intensive care and the difference they make to those in their charge. The Trust's intensive care team, based at Craigavon Area Hospital, cared for 438 patients over the past year, working across a range of specialties to support some of the sickest patients in the region.
working in intensive care means to colleagues across the Southern Trust.
Staff were asked what makes them proud to work in intensive care, and many spoke of supporting patients and families through uncertainty, helping patients regain their independence, and witnessing the impact compassionate care can have. One ICU nurse said: "I can support patients and families during difficult moments. Seeing patients recover gives me a strong sense of purpose and achievement." A member of the physiotherapy team added: "I get to work with a great team to help patients during their most vulnerable moments take their first steps towards independence, knowing the care they received helped bridge the gap between surviving an illness and truly living again."
Joanna Percival, Lead Nurse for Intensive Care, said admission to intensive care can be an overwhelming and uncertain time for both patients and their loved ones. "Alongside providing highly specialised clinical care, we are there to offer reassurance, compassion and support throughout their journey. Every member of our multidisciplinary team plays an important role in caring for the whole person and helping families through some of the most challenging days of their lives. I am incredibly proud of the professionalism, kindness and commitment shown by our staff every day," she said.
Area Hospital
Declan McClements, Director of Surgery and Clinical Services, said intensive care demonstrates the very best of multidisciplinary working. "Our teams provide care centred on the needs of each patient," he said, adding that this commitment reflects the Trust's values and supports its vision of working together to improve the health and wellbeing of the communities it serves.
A member of the Southern Trust's intensive care team summed up the ethos behind the week, saying it is a privilege to witness the resilience and humanity of patients, families and staff under the most difficult of circumstances.
