Post-ICU recovery hub

Welcome to the Post-ICU recovery hub

We have developed this online resource to support patients, their family and friends after they leave the intensive care unit. We know that recovery from critical illness can be difficult, can take a long time, and people often have many questions.

Aim of this website

This website is to provide support for patients, their family and friends after an Intensive Care stay. People can experience physical, mental and emotional health problems after being critically unwell. It is also a stressful and difficult time for friends and family.

We hope this website will provide some information about how you can help yourself feel better and recover, and where you and your loved ones can find support for both mental and physical health.

Who is this website for

This website is aimed at anyone who has had a stay on intensive care, and also their family and friends. Some of the information is very much focused on the patient experience, but there is a lot of information to support friends and family with their mental and emotional wellbeing.

Different people will have different questions or things they are struggling with. There is a lot of information on this site and under each main heading there are a number of sub headings. It is important that you focus on just the things that are relevant to you and start with just one aspect that is worrying you.

Post Intensive Care Syndrome

Some people may have heard of Post Intensive Care Syndrome (or PICS) – PICS is made up of health problems that remain after critical illness. These problems can involve the body, thoughts, feelings, or mind and can also affect family or close friends. PICS may show up as physical problems such as muscle weakness; problems with thinking and judgment; and mental health problems, for example anxiety and depression.

Going home from hospital is a huge step in your recovery journey, and hopefully you’ll be able to see how much progress you’ve made. Once you are at home, things can be difficult for you and your family – you may need help with certain things such as washing and dressing, or getting out of the house. You may feel low in mood, or you may not be sleeping very well. These things are very common. It can take over a year to recover from critical illness, both mentally and physically, so be kind to yourself and talk about your feelings.

ICU Steps summarises how things might feel when you go home so have a look at their advice.

Helping you with your recovery after leaving ICU

Understanding your time in ICU

Your family and friends may have kept a diary of your intensive care stay which can also help answer some of your questions. This could make you feel emotional and anxious, so only have a look at it when you feel ready. It may be better to look through the diary with a friend or family member.

We know having the experience of being on intensive care is not easy. You should be very proud of yourself for being strong and brave, as not many people will be able to totally understand what you have battled through.

We hope the videos below will help you understand more about your time on the ICU and the ICU environment. However, some people may find it emotionally difficult to watch these videos. We can support an organised visit to the ICU if you would prefer. Details on how to arrange this are at the end of the feedback form – link at bottom of homepage.