Your Guide to the Intensive Care Unit

• Health City Cayman Islands provides ICU care through a coordinated team of doctors, ICU nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, infection control professionals, dietitian/nutritionist and pastoral spiritual support. Care is individualised and may change as the patient’s condition change
• We ensure clinical excellence, patient safety, dignity, privacy, clear communication, and compassionate care for every patient and family.

• Health City uses continuous monitoring and advanced ICU equipment to support safe, timely, and responsive care. The ICU may look and sound different from other hospital areas. Bedside monitors, infusion pumps, oxygen or breathing support, lines, tubes, and other devices may be used to observe vital body functions and deliver treatment. These systems help the ICU team follow changes in heart rhythm, blood pressure, oxygen level, breathing, medication delivery, fluid balance, and overall clinical progress.
• Alarms are part of the ICU safety system. An alarm does not always mean an emergency; it alerts trained staff to check the patient, a measurement, or a device. Nurses and the clinical team respond based on the patient’s condition and urgency.
• The ICU team also works to ensure the patient’s comfort, rest, dignity, and privacy. Families can help by keeping visits calm, following infection prevention guidance, and sharing important information with the team.

Family presence is important, but ICU visiting must be coordinated to protect patient safety, privacy, infection prevention, procedures, and rest.

Not more than two people are permitted at the bedside at any time. Visiting may be adjusted by the ICU team based on clinical condition, procedures, emergencies, infection prevention needs, or safety concerns.

Exceptions to the standard visiting hours may be made in special circumstances, such as end-of-life care, or at the discretion of the treating ICU team when it is considered to be in the patient’s best interest.

We kindly ask all visitors to follow the instructions of the ICU staff at all times to help maintain a safe and healing environment for all patients.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Your support plays an important role in your loved one’s care and recovery.

• Clear communication is important in helping families understand the patient’s plan of care while maintaining privacy and confidentiality. To support consistent communication, we ask families to identify one documented next of kin for clinical updates and coordination.
• The bedside nurse can provide updates on the patient’s day-to-day progress, monitoring, comfort measures, and visiting guidance within the nursing scope of care. Physician updates are typically provided during visiting hours; however, if family members are unable to visit, updates on the patient’s clinical status may be provided by telephone to the documented next of kin.
• For complex decisions or significant changes in the patient’s condition, the ICU team may arrange a family discussion with the documented next of kin.
• Our priority is always the care and safety of our patients. If the ICU team is responding to an emergency or providing urgent treatment, updates may be delayed. We will speak with you as soon as it is safe to do so
• All communication regarding the patient’s clinical status will be shared only with the documented next of kin recorded in the patient’s hospital record. Please ensure that the correct name and contact information are provided and kept up to date.

• For patient safety, do not bring or administer any medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, supplements, or other health products from home unless specifically requested or approved by the treating physician or ICU team. All medications given to patients in the ICU must be prescribed, verified, and administered by hospital staff. Please inform the ICU team of any medications or supplements the patient was taking before admission.

Photography and Video Recording

• To protect the privacy, dignity, and confidentiality of all patients, visitors, and staff, photography, video recording, audio recording, and live streaming are not permitted within the ICU unless prior authorisation has been granted by the treating team or hospital administration. Any approved recordings must not capture other patients, visitors, staff members, or confidential information. Hospital staff may ask that recording cease at any time if it is considered inappropriate or if it may interfere with patient care, safety, or privacy.

• Your loved one’s comfort is an important part of their care in the ICU. The healthcare team regularly assesses pain whether or not a patient is able to communicate. The assessment tool used will depend on the patient’s age, condition, level of awareness, and ability to communicate
• Pain relief is individualised and may include medication given by mouth or through an IV, as well as comfort measures such as repositioning, relaxation and breathing techniques, and maintaining a calm environment. Pain and comfort are reassessed regularly, particularly after treatment, and the care team will adjust the plan as needed to keep your loved one as comfortable and safe as possible.
• If you notice that your loved one appears uncomfortable
  or may be experiencing pain, please let their nurse know

Transfer from the ICU is an important step in recovery. It usually means the patient no longer requires the same level of continuous intensive monitoring and can continue to receive care in another ward area. The ward area permits attendants to be with the patient.

The treating team determines transfer readiness based
on clinical stability and care needs

The documented next of kin will be informed about transfer outside the ICU to support preparation and coordination. In urgent situations, the clinical team will prioritise patient safety, and communicate as soon as possible.

• The ICU team gives a structured handover to the receiving team, so the care plan continues safely.
• Some monitors, lines, or equipment may be removed or changed before or after transfer.
• Medication, nutrition, physiotherapy, and follow-up plans are communicated to the receiving team.
• Please discuss transfer concerns with the bedside nurse or departmental nurse head.

• If there is any spiritual need, Health City can support access to pastoral support. If the patient or family would like support from their own faith leader or has specific spiritual needs, please inform the departmental nurse head in advance, so arrangements can be coordinated appropriately.
• Spiritual support is offered with respect for each patient’s beliefs, values, culture, and wishes. Support may include prayer, quiet presence, reflection, or coordination with a preferred faith representative when appropriate and possible.
• Please let the bedside nurse or departmental nurse head know about any spiritual preferences, items, rituals, or privacy needs that may affect care, visiting, or family coordination.

We understand that having a loved one admitted to the Intensive Care Unit can be overwhelming and stressful. Our ICU team is committed to providing compassionate, safe, and high-quality care while keeping families informed and involved.

Please do not hesitate to ask questions or share any concerns with the healthcare team. Your support and involvement are important to your loved one’s care and recovery

Important Reminders:

• Keep the ICU contact number available.
• Designate one family spokesperson when possible.
• Speak with staff regarding visiting hours and updates.
• Inform the team of any changes in contact information.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us provide a safe, supportive environment for all patients, families and staff.