Critical Care Medicine
The medical professionals at Gadsden Regional Medical Center provide 24-hour monitoring and acute care for critically ill patients in our intensive care unit (ICU). Patients have access to specialists in a range of disciplines who utilize advanced equipment and technology to provide quality care.
We understand that having a family member or loved one in the ICU can be difficult - that’s why our critical care team members are dedicated to keeping you informed and answering your questions.
Visitor Information
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our visiting policies for our critical care units have changed.
- For patients in our non-COVID ICUs, one visitor is permitted during visiting hours only (10 a.m. - 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.).
- For patients in our COVID ICUs, one visitor is permitted during visiting hour only (8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.).
- All visitors should be over the age of 12. Special requests for younger visitors will be considered in situations regarding terminal illnesses.
- Infectious diseases can delay recovery. If you feel you are contagious, please inform the nurse. Please wash your hands before and after you visit patients to help protect both them and you from infection.
- Telephones are not present in patient rooms, however, on a case-by-case basis, telephones may be available to the patient.
- Telephone inquiries regarding a patient’s condition require the patient’s password and may be directed to the nurse caring for the patient. Nursing staff will not be available during report times (6‐7:30 a.m. and p.m.).
- Families are encouraged to use the phone in the ICU waiting room on the first floor for personal calls.
- Live flowers are not allowed in patient rooms. Small artificial arrangements, balloons and cards are acceptable.
- Medications from home can only be administered by the ICU nurse with a physician’s order.
- Due to limited space in each patient room and for safekeeping purposes, personal belongings (clothing, medication and valuables) for patients should be taken home.
- Please do not touch the equipment.
Psychiatric patients have different rules that the nurse will review with you.
It is extremely important to take care of yourself while your loved one is in the ICU. To make the most of your visit with your loved one, we suggest visitors:
- Be positive and supportive. Make sure that your conversations will not upset the patient.
- Let the patient know you are there. Even if he or she is not alert as normal, a familiar voice or touch can be comforting. However, some patients should not be stimulated. Your nurse will let you know if the patient you are visiting should not be touched or spoken to.
To reach the surgical ICU (SICU), medical ICU (MICU), or critical care unit (CCU), please call (256) 494-4000 and ask to be connected to the appropriate unit.