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Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

About our Intensive Care Units

Intensive Care Units (ICU), in Dublin and Cork, are hospital wards that are equipped with specialist monitoring and critical care technology and are staffed around the clock by highly trained multidisciplinary healthcare professionals. 

At Mater Private Network our ICU provides treatment, monitoring and high-quality critical care for people who are critically ill, suffering from complex medical conditions or recovering from major surgery. 

Our experienced ICU healthcare team works closely with our specialist consultants and uses the latest technologies to provide you with the best possible care for the best possible outcome.

When would I need to go to the ICU?

You may need to stay in the ICU if you require close monitoring of your vital signs, specialised medical treatment, or one-to-one nursing care following a procedure. 

Patients in the ICU include people recovering from major surgery, patients needing care after a cardiac arrest, patients requiring dialysis and patients with life-threatening conditions such as heart failure, heart attack, stroke, pneumonia or sepsis. 

Our ICU team

Our team is a multidisciplinary team of ICU specialists who work together to care for you while you are in the ICU. The team includes:

  • Intensive Care Consultants
  • ICU nursing staff
  • Healthcare assistants
  • Physiotherapists, dieticians, speech therapists
  • Catering staff

The ICU team also consults with other Mater Private specialists as required for and relevant to each patient case.

Visiting Guidelines for the ICU

ICU in Mater Private Dublin is located on the second floor. Ask at reception and a member of staff will direct you. Parking information and directions to the hospital are available here. 

ICU in Mater Private Cork is located on the ground floor. Parking information and directions to the hospital are available here.

Visiting Times

Our purpose in the ICU is to provide both high quality care to our patients and an environment in which to recuperate. At certain times of the day we encourage quiet time, when patients can get rest without interruption. 

  • Dublin hospital: from 14.30 to 15.30 and from 18.30 to 19.30.
  • Cork hospital: from 14 to 16.30 and from 18 to 21 (It is possible to visit patients outside of these visiting times with prior arrangements with the nursing staff).
Reducing the risk of spreading infection

It is important that we prevent infections from entering the ICU. Visitors will be asked to clean your hands and use sanitising gel when entering and leaving the unit. You may bring gifts with you for the patient you are visiting but flowers are not allowed in the wards. You should avoid visiting if you are sick or have a temperature. You may also be requested to wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to protect yourself, staff and your loved one/other patients. 

What to expect

Patients are often connected to medical equipment, which is both monitoring their health status, and providing medical support.  This may include respiratory support , cardiovascular support and renal support in the form of dialysis. This equipment may beep regularly.  Patients may also be sedated or drowsy as they recover. Cameras and mobile phones are not permitted in the unit. 

The ICU staff will be on hand during your visit to answer any questions you have. 

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