Critical Care Center

Focused on Healing & Comfort

When you have a loved one in critical care, it can be an exceptionally stressful time. We want you to know your loved one is in good hands. Our specially-educated intensivist physicians are board-certified in pulmonary and critical care medicine. Working in concert with the entire critical care team, they focus on providing the best possible care. 

We focus on providing the highest level of care and the best quality of life for patients and families by tending to their physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual needs. You are encouraged to ask questions and discuss any concerns with your care team. Each room is equipped with an interactive entertainment and education system at the bedside, giving you important resources and putting you in direct contact with the nursing staff from the convenience of your loved one’s room. The 25,000-square-foot Critical Care Unit has a family waiting area that contains a family lounge, kitchenette and consultation room. Nursing stations are located between every two rooms. 

The Critical Care Unit also includes a Clinical Integration Center — a behind-the-scenes concept that serves a critical function in improving interaction and communication on behalf of our patients. The CIC is made up of flexible works spaces that support multidisciplinary care, bringing clinicians from various fields together in support of the patient. Nurses, doctors, pharmacists, social workers and discharge planners have a place to share information and aid in decision making ensuring a more holistic approach to patient care with the best possible outcomes.

The support and care you provide your loved one is an essential part of the healing process. To be an effective caregiver, be sure to also take care of yourself. Short visitation periods, adequate rest and proper nutrition are just as important for you as they are for your loved one. 

Our Critical Care Team

Our critical care team is made up of experienced intensive care medical professionals. Each member plays a special role:

• Physicians direct your loved one’s care. An intensive care physician directs critical care treatment. The hospitalist is an internal medicine physician focusing on non-critical care needs. You may also meet and have frequent discussions with a number of specialists.
• Nurses spend the most time with your loved one. Specially educated in the science and art of critical care nursing, they provide continuous, hands-on monitoring. They are also available to arrange special services for you or your loved one at your request.
• Pharmacists ensure appropriate use of medications, and assess dosage and timing.
• Respiratory Therapists may be at the bedside frequently to provide treatments that help your loved one breathe more comfortably.
• Nutritionists assess nutritional needs and provide dietary recommendations for specialty diets based on medical diagnosis or cultural preference.
• Physical and Occupational Therapists help your loved one gain strength and flexibility.
• Social Workers assess and plan the care your loved one may require after leaving the hospital.
• Spiritual Care Providers offer support to patients and families. They are available any time, day or night.

Innovative Care

In the Critical Care Unit at Valley, patients benefit from the latest innovations and state-of-the-art technology. The unit houses 30 spacious, private rooms that are equipped to be universal — adaptable to handle different types of care — so we can bring the appropriate care to each patient. To keep staff safe and injury-free, each room has a patient lift system capable of hoisting up to 1,000 pounds. A “smart bed” asks patients basic medical questions, with numerous languages available, and sends an alert to nurses and other staff when a patient attempts to get out of bed unassisted. Hand-held phones carried by nursing staff and physicians enable caregivers to stay connected with their loved one's medical team. These devices can also help monitor a patient’s heart rhythm.

Finding Comfort Through Connections

CaringBridge uses the power of the Internet to bring patients, caregivers, family and friends together to share information and support during life-changing health events such as cancer, premature birth, critical illness and serious accidents. CaringBridge is free and is a meaningful way to help friends and family from around the world stay connected and informed. Patients and caregivers post journal entries about their healthcare journey and in return, family and friends provide vital support through guestbook messages and a photo gallery.

Create your own CaringBridge page today. It’s quick, easy and free. Get started now.