Medical Director: Dr. Patricia Murphy
Nurse Manager: Jeanne Elgie-Watson
Patient Care Coordinators: Joe Abaday and Bridget Dopson
Many people will take part in your care. The following are those who you will meet most often.
Physicians & Surgeons
Consultants
Doctors who may be contacted, as needed, to make sure the best possible care is given.
CV Anesthetist (Staff Physician)
This doctor is in charge of the unit and provides your daily medical care.
CV Surgeon
This is the doctor who operated on you.
Surgical and Anesthesia Fellows
We have 2 medical doctors (Fellows) who provide 24 hour medical coverage. A fellow or staff doctor is always available in the ICU.
Nursing
Charge Nurse
Charge nurses help with the flow of patients entering and leaving the unit.
ICU Registered Nurses (RN)
This is a nurse with special training who will be with you 24 hours a day while in the ICU.
Nursing Students
UHN is a teaching hospital. All nursing students in the unit get close supervision from teachers and staff. Students will introduce themselves to you so that you know who they are.
Nurse Manager
Nurse managers are in charge of the unit and may be contacted by patients and their families, about any concerns not addressed by the bedside nurse or medical team.
Patient Care Coordinator (PCC)
The PCC helps the manager with patient care. The PCC can also be contacted with any concerns not addressed by the bedside nurse or medical team.
Health Professions
Registered Dietitians
A dietician will make sure that you receive the best possible nutrition, either through the food you eat or through a feeding tube, if you are experiencing swallowing problems.
Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists help you to be more independent. They help you with everyday activities like eating, dressing and bathing. In the ICU, occupational therapists provide splints that prevent muscle tightening and maintain proper positioning of hands and feet.
Pharmacists
Pharmacists give information about the medicine you're taking. They also help to make sure you have the best medicine for your needs.
Physiotherapists
Physiotherapists provide an exercise program to maintain and improve strength in the limbs and to assist in keeping the lungs clear.
Respiratory Therapists (RT)
The respiratory therapist is responsible for the "breathing machine" (ventilator) and will assess your breathing status every day.
Social Workers
Social workers can provide family counseling, assistance and support, coordinate family conferences and talk about discharge-planning options.
Spiritual Care Professionals
Spiritual care providers support patients and families of all faiths.
Support
Patient Care Assistants (PCA)
Patient care assistants help you with your personal care needs, such as bathing, feeding and mobility. They are staff members trained by the hospital.
Volunteers
Volunteers manage the waiting area and help to organize visits into the CVICU. They direct your family to other areas and services within the hospital.
Ward Clerk
Ward clerks provide administrative support and are typically the first person who patients meet when arriving in the unit.
Learn more about
health care professional trainees at UHN.
