The Susan B. Allen Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a self-sufficient area reserved for patients needing high intensity nursing care under controlled monitoring systems. This intensive nursing care is provided to medical, surgical or coronary patients of all ages. The ICU is staffed with highly trained personnel who provide continuous 24-hour nursing care. Each private room has the latest in specialized equipment and is designed so nurses at the central nursing station can observe the patients while monitoring their condition. The monitor above the patient’s bed and at the nurses` station continuously records the heart rhythms of the patient. This early warning system enables the staff to respond at once to any subtle changes or complications that may arise.

Visitors are very important to Intensive Care Unit patients; however, due to the patient`s condition, visitors and length of visits are limited. The immediate family may visit soon after the patient`s admission. Visits should be kept short, not lasting more than 15 minutes. Clergymen, legal guardians, or those with power of attorney may visit the unit after obtaining permission from the nurse. Only one or two visitors are allowed in the room at one time.

Before entering the Intensive Care Unit, we encourage all visitors to contact the ICU nursing station to obtain permission.  A nurse call unit is located on the wall just before entering the ICU, near the ICU waiting room. 

A waiting room is provided for your convenience between visits, however, if the patient’s condition has stabilized, we encourage you to go home and rest. If you leave us a phone number where you can be contacted, we will notify you of any significant changes in the patient’s condition, day or night. You may also call the ICU at any time to check on the condition of a patient, (316) 321-3300, ext. 2260.

If at any time to you wish to visit with the patient’s physician, please inform a nurse and the physician will be notified.  A member of our Pastoral Care Department is also available and willing to visit with you at any time.

We ask that you not send flowers or plants to the patients until they are transferred from the ICU. If you wish to bring food with you on a visit, please check with the nurse beforehand.