Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Forrest General Hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a 50-bed unit, composed of cardiac, medical, surgical, and trauma patients who receive around-the-clock care from specially trained physicians and nurses. The unit is equipped with the latest technologies and treatments and includes a spacious, comfortable waiting room to allow families to be near their loved ones during a stay in the hospital. A hostess is also available to assist with any specific needs or requests.
Visiting Hours
The ICU observes open visitation, with the exception of quiet time hours. Quiet time hours are 7-9 a.m. and 7-9 p.m. During quiet time hours, all visitors will be asked to step out. One visitor is allowed overnight. ALL other visitors will be asked to leave at 10 p.m. Open visiting hours resume at 9 a.m. No visitors will be allowed to sleep in the ICU waiting room.
Entrances and Hours
Remember, points of entry are limited during certain hours. Those hours are listed below.
- Main Lobby: 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., seven days a week
- Colonial Lobby Entrance: 5:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Monday-Friday
Parking and Directions
There are two main entrances to the Hospital. The main lobby (Highway 49), and the Colonial Lobby (28th Avenue). For ICU visitation, we suggest parking in the parking garage out the Colonial Lobby. Once you enter the Colonial Lobby, take the elevators to the second floor. Once you get off the elevators, there is signage that directs you to the ICU waiting area.
Calling for Updates
The number to call for patient updates is 601-288-7000. If there is a change in the condition of the patient, we will notify the next of kin. When calling for updates, please be aware that under HIPAA (Patient Privacy) guidelines, the nursing staff will be limited to the information that we can give out over the telephone. You will need to establish a Telephone Code Word and give it to the nurse when calling for updates on your loved one. One spokesperson per patient should be designated to receive updates.
Guidelines for Visiting
The well-being of our patients is the most important consideration when making decisions regarding visitors and visiting hours. However, the number of visitors is limited due to safety and privacy. There are no more than 2 people allowed to visit at the same time, and only 1 person is allowed to stay overnight. Should an emergency arise, you will be asked to leave the room if it interferes with your loved one’s care or the care of others.
If you are visiting:
- Wash your hands with soap and water or use the hand sanitizer as you enter and exit the ICU.
- Do not visit if you have been sick, are sick now, or have been around others who have been sick in the past three weeks. Even a simple cold can cause a problem with a patient in the hospital. If you do choose to visit, speak with a nurse first, so that he or she can provide a mask or special clothing to protect the patient.
- Patient monitors and other equipment may make noises frequently. Your care team is trained to distinguish between reminder noises and emergency alarms. Please do not attempt to reset or silence any of the equipment.
- We are trained and sometimes use special equipment to move and adjust our patients; talk to a nurse before moving the patient or the position of the bed.
- Visitors are not allowed to eat in the ICU. Many of our patients are on special diets while in the ICU. Please talk with the nurse caring for your loved one before bringing in any food for them
- Having you involved in the care of your loved one is important to their care. Your nurse may ask you to assist them with things they may be doing while in the room, however you should always confirm with your nurse before performing on your own.
- No children under the age of 12 years old are allowed in the ICU
- If a conflict arises between family members or friends that interferes with the patient’s care, we have the right to ask those involved to leave.
- Please follow all posted guidelines for the waiting room.
Contact Us
For more information, please call 601-288-7000.
