1

Visiting the ICU

Flexible visiting trial, 1 September to 30 November 2026: no fixed visiting hours. Up to three visitors from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm and one visitor overnight. See after-hours access, children, infection prevention and visitor rules.

2

Taking Care of Yourself

It is vital that you take the time to look after yourself and reach out for support and guidance during this stressful time. We have provided a number of tips and recourses on ways that can help you during your journey as a family member in the ICU.

3

Patient Safety

Patient safety is an essential component of high-quality care provided in the ICU. Our team have worked hard to establish a number of tools and strategies that ensures the ICU provides safe care, in the context of evidence-based practice and the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) requirements.

4

The ICU Environment

We understand that entering the ICU can be very overwhelming. The environment is often very busy with many unfamiliar sights and sounds. We hope that this page can better orientate you to the bedspace and the various equipment you may encounter.

5

Medical Rounds

Typical nursing handover and medical-round times, what happens during rounds, family presence and how to arrange a detailed medical update.

6

Spiritual Care

In Nepean ICU we aim to accommodate for all kinds of spiritual care required and welcome families to speak to the team for recourses available within the hospital or to organise their own external support.

7

Helpful Tips

Practical information about after-hours hospital access, parking, accommodation, bathrooms, food and drink, mobile phones, privacy and other helpful tips.

8

Your ICU Team

The Nepean ICU team consider patients and their families a central and vital part of our team. We value working together to deliver high quality care with compassion and respect to every patient. Our team are here to support and guide you and your loved one through this ICU admission.

9

Delirium

We understand that it can be very difficult to see your loved one acting differently or in a state of confusion. Please access for more information about delirium.

10

ICU Patient Journals

A simple diary kept at the bedside — photographs and letters from our staff, family, and friends that help fill the gaps in a patient's memory and support recovery after critical illness.

11

End of Life Care

The transition from active treatment to palliative/end of life care in ICU can often be sudden and unexpected. We recognise this is an overwhelming and emotional time for families and friends.

12

Beyond Critical Care

Leaving critical care and going to the ward is an important step in your recovery process as your ICU stay only plays a small part in your journey in hospital. The following information will help you and your family learn more about the ward environment and provide information about your recovery process.