Institute of Critical Care Medicine

Acute care plays a vital role in saving lives and preventing further deterioration of a patient’s health. Our team of specialists, including intensivists, nurses, and respiratory therapists, works together to provide immediate, intensive treatment for patients in critical condition in the ICU, to support critical functions such as breathing, circulation, and organ function.

Key aspects:

• Advanced monitoring: Continuous monitoring of vital signs (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels) to detect early changes.
• Life-saving treatments: Emergency interventions like ventilation, dialysis, and surgeries to support failing organs or life functions.
• Critical support therapies: Medications, fluids, and transfusions to manage shock, infections, or other acute conditions.

We use advanced life support systems to assist failing organs when patients with severe organ failure are not responding to conventional treatments.

Key types:

• Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO): Supports lungs or heart by oxygenating blood outside the body. It acts as an artificial lung or heart by circulating blood through a machine.
• Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT): A type of dialysis for patients with kidney failure, continuously filtering blood to remove waste, fluids, and electrolytes.
• Ventricular assist devices (VAD): Mechanical pumps that assist a weakened heart in circulating blood, commonly used in patients with severe heart failure awaiting a heart transplant.
• Plasmapheresis: A process that filters harmful substances (e.g., antibodies, toxins) from the blood, used for conditions like autoimmune diseases or severe infections.

We utilize the concept of ERAS, which is a multidisciplinary, medically-proven approach aimed at improving recovery after surgery through a holistic, patient-friendly care pathway, leading to shorter hospital stays and improved patient well-being.

Key elements:

• Pre-surgical preparation: Patient education, nutrition, and avoidance of long fasting for better outcomes.
• Less invasive techniques: Use of minimally invasive surgery and lighter anaesthesia to minimise trauma and promote quicker recovery.
• Faster mobilisation: Encouraging early movement and physical activity after surgery to prevent complications such as blood clots or muscle weakness.
• Better pain control: Use of multimodal pain relief to reduce reliance on medications and enhance comfort.
• Early nutrition: Reintroduction of food and liquids soon after surgery to promote healing and gut function.

We perform minimally invasive procedures in the ICU using real-time imaging (X-ray, CT, ultrasound) for accurate diagnosis and treatment with minimal trauma.

Key aspects:

• Precision: Real-time imaging guidance for placement of lines, drains, and biopsies.
• Faster Recovery: Fewer complications and quicker healing due to reduced invasiveness.

We provide specialised ICU care for patients recovering from organ transplantation, including heart, lung, liver, and kidney transplants, thus laying the foundation for long-term recovery and success of the transplant.

Key aspects:

• Immediate postoperative monitoring: Continuous monitoring of vital signs, organ function, and fluid balance to detect early signs of organ rejection or complications.
• Immunosuppressive therapy: Prevents the body from rejecting the transplanted organ.
• Infection prevention: Implementation of strict infection control measures, along with prophylactic antibiotics and antiviral medications.
• Organ function support: Close monitoring and support of the transplanted organ to ensure optimal functioning.
• Complication management: Quick response to complications such as organ rejection, bleeding, clot formation, or breathing issues.
• Rehabilitation and recovery: Early mobility, physical therapy, and nutritional support to aid in healing and provide strength.

Our hospital supports organ donation through a structured process under the following regulations: 

• Identifying potential donors
• Obtaining legal consent  
• Maintaining organ viability
• Providing ethical and emotional support to families

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Early rehabilitation helps critically ill patients maintain or regain their physical function, mobility, and strength during and after their stay in the ICU. We aim to prevent complications related to immobility, support recovery, and enhance long-term physical, cognitive, and emotional outcomes.

Key Aspects:

• Early mobilisation: Early, controlled movement (e.g., sitting up, standing, or short walks), even for patients on mechanical ventilation, to prevent muscle atrophy and improve circulation.
• Physical therapy: Improves muscle strength, flexibility, and endurance through guided exercises and activities.
• Occupational therapy: Helps patients relearn daily activities (e.g., eating, dressing) and regain fine motor skills for functional independence after release from the ICU.
• Respiratory therapy: Involves exercises to improve lung function, and strengthen muscles for better function.
• Cognitive and emotional support: Mental stimulation and psychological support to help reduce anxiety, depression, and post-ICU trauma.
• Prevention of ICU-related complications, such as pressure ulcers, blood clots, and contractures (stiff joints).
• Active family involvement in rehabilitation activities to provide emotional support and motivation for patients.

Our care is focused on relief from pain, breathlessness, and distress post-surgery to improve the quality of life for critically ill patients, whether during recovery or end-of-life care. We ensure that the treatment aligns with the patient’s goals and values, focusing on comfort, dignity, and the alleviation of suffering, while also addressing emotional, spiritual, and psychological needs. 

Key aspects:

• Symptom and pain management
• Emotional and psychological support
• Clear communication and shared decision-making
• Family-centred care aligned with the patient’s values