A Critical Care Unit (CCU), commonly referred to as Intensive Care Unit (ICU), is a specialized department in the hospital that plays a crucial role in providing advanced medical care and monitoring for patients with life-threatening conditions. At Pikeville Medical Center (PMC), the ICU is a critical lifeline for patients requiring intensive, round-the-clock care, as it houses some of the most advanced equipment found anywhere in the region.
The dedicated men and women in these departments work tirelessly to treat patients who are critically ill. Many patients in the ICU are placed there due to severe medical
conditions such as heart failure, respiratory distress, major trauma, organ failure or complications following complex surgeries.
Newly updated and renovated, PMC’s ICU is meticulously designed to optimize patient care featuring 53 ICU beds equipped with advanced monitoring systems, ventilators, dialysis machines, defibrillators, cardiac monitors and more. The physical layout of the ICU promotes efficient care and allows healthcare providers to readily access patients in need. In these areas, many nurses only care for one or two patients at a time, ensuring the patient’s care is concentrated and tailored to each specific need. PMC has seven ICU physicians and numerous nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists and other support staff who are specifically trained to treat critically ill patients.
Advanced monitoring systems work continuously to track vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and respiratory rate, allowing healthcare providers to detect changes and intervene promptly. Additionally, the PMC Critical Care Unit utilizes specialized techniques and treatment options not offered anywhere else in Eastern Kentucky.
PMC’s ICU staff strives to provide family-centered care and support by allowing families to visit their loved ones under specific guidelines to offer comfort and reassurance. Additionally, they engage in regular communication with families, explaining the patient’s condition, treatment plan and progress. These things combined help to alleviate anxiety in patients and their loved ones.
With the combination of advanced technology, cutting-edge techniques combined with a dedicated and caring staff, Pikeville Medical Center is dedicated to saving lives.
