Providing close monitoring for patients who need individualized medical, surgical or cardiovascular attention is provided for by Lake Wales Medical Center’s Intensive Care, Medical, Surgical and Progressive Care units. Charged with caring for the facility’s most critical patients, the staff is organized, efficient, sensitive, dedicated and fully trained to assist when patients need them the most.
Patients admitted to these units are considered to have an acute problem or, as a precautionary measure, require constant observation. Rest, relaxation and comfort for the patient have a direct bearing on a speedy recovery. Noise, long visits, too many visitors or worrisome discussions hinder such a recovery and therefore, require regulation. Your encouragement and hopeful attitude can go far toward calming fears and assisting the patient’s recovery. Your cooperation not only benefits your family member, but all of the patients in these units.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours are governed by the patient's condition. Please speak to the ICU nurse about special arrangements for visitation times. Visitation by children 14 years old and under is discouraged.
Family Representatives
Good communication between the staff and the family is essential to the well-being of the patient. It is helpful if each family selects one individual who will acts as the family representative. This person will be the primary contact for physicians and nursing staff and will share information between the staff and the family. Friends and family not able to visit the patient will benefit from having one individual to contact.
If the patient has a written Advance Directive then preferably the individual indicated as Health Care Power of Attorney should be the family representative.
In times of overwhelming stress, feelings of confusion, helplessness and fear, disagreements can arise among family members.
Because good health care for the patient involves the promotion of rest, we ask all problems be resolved outside the patient area.
If difficulty resolving certain issues within your family arises, the staff can provide assistance and referrals.