Intermediate Care Unit
Mission Statement:
The IMCU is committed to provide the highest level of care in line with international standards. We are also committed to effective and efficient utilization of resources in achieving optimal patient outcomes, through the provision of quality care, competent professional and support staff in an environment that promotes and maintains individual well-being and patient safety. We are supported by administration and the educational development of all staff.
Value Statement:
Caring is our central value and fundamental to achieving culturally congruent practice; customer friendly service; collaborative care; quality outcomes; commitment, respect and integrity, as well as scientific inquiry.
Unit Profile:
The Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU) consists of 14 monitored beds providing an essential level of care between the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and that of the general wards. Functioning as an ICU Step-down Unit, the IMCU receives patients from the ICU, Emergency Department, Operating Theatre and general wards, maintaining a 100% occupancy rate and operating 24 hours / 7 days per week. Although the patients admitted to the IMCU are considered less acutely ill than those admitted to the ICU, they still require and receive a high level of individualized high quality care.
The IMCU Team, which consists of specialized practitioners of physicians, nurses, clinical educators and support staff, provide a multidisciplinary approach to patient focused care, with the aim of progressively preparing patients for discharge to the wards.
Additionally, as part of the organizational teaching facility, we encourage and provide learning opportunities for both medical and nursing students, as well as ongoing educational forums for our staff.
Scope of Service:
The IMCU provides progressive and acute care for patients aged 12 years and above. Medical conditions requiring IMCU care are those that require close observation and continuous monitoring utilizing a 1:1 or 1:2 nurse patient ratios. The following diagnostic and therapeutic modalities are utilized to facilitate patient care:
Ongoing multi-system physical and psychosocial assessment, planning, intervention, education and evaluation.
Patient Safety Management.
Infection Control.
Invasive Hemodynamic Monitoring.
Fluid and Electrolyte Monitoring / Replacement.
Mechanical Ventilation / Airway Management.
Cardiac Monitoring.
Hemodyalysis.
IV therapy.
Administration of Blood Products.
Pain Management / Patient controlled Analgesia / Epidural Analgesia.
Administration of Inotropic and Vasoactive Agents.
Emergency Resuscitation Procedures.
Post operative Wound and Drain Care.
Achievements & Developing Projects :
These are exciting times for our unit. Although we are at an infant stage, we have progressively developed with active and developing portfolios strongly advocating for patient focused care and being active members of the multidisciplinary team.
Joint Commission International (JCI) Fever Under construction and in infancy stage, the IMCU Team are preparing themselves with fervor and excitement for the upcoming November 2009 Accreditation. All staff are actively involved in their respectively formed groups ensuring that patient centered care is being upheld through our standards / policies and procedures.
Meeting Between Family and IMCU Health Care Providers:
Understanding the integral role of families in promoting a holistic approach to health care, a new initiative has been implemented in the IMCU to facilitate communication between family and health care providers. Families have the opportunity to arrange a family conference with the IMCU team caring for their loved one, in a quiet uninterrupted session. The members of the team would consist of either a ICU Consultant / Staff Physician, a nurse representative (primary or charge nurse) and any other related support health care provider. Through this team approach, the IMCU team hopes to enhance clinical decision making, improve family satisfaction and address the psychological well-being of family members.