Helpful information for family and loved ones

As a family member or friend of a patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), you play a very important role in the healing process by providing familiarity, comfort and loving support. We understand that having a loved one in an intensive care or critical care unit can be very difficult. We will do our best to not only provide excellent and compassionate care to your loved one, but also provide you with information, support and guidance to the best of our abilities.

Naming a Spokesperson

Federal law requires that the privacy and confidentiality of all patient information be maintained. Our ICU staff has developed a spokesperson program to help provide the best communication possible while maintaining patient privacy and to comply with this law.

Please select one or two primary family spokespersons. The primary family spokesperson will be the person who will receive phone updates on the patient’s condition. That person is then responsible for passing that information on to other family members or close friends. Having a spokesperson allows nurses to spend more time in direct patient care.

The family spokesperson can call the ICU at (262) 785-2151 at any time for information.


Visiting guidelines
The nurses and staff in the Elmbrook Memorial ICU are dedicated to providing the highest quality care to our patient and their families.

• Visiting is allowed in the ICU 24 hours a day, yet, there are times when your nurse may suggest limiting visiting and allowing the patient to rest.  Sleep and rest are important for your loved one’s healing.
• For the protection of our patients, please do not visit if you are ill.
• We may limit the number of visitors due to the size of the patient rooms and the patient’s condition.
• Family wishes will be honored related to children visiting.  If children do visit, it is the responsibility of family members to maintain continuous supervision at all times.
• When visiting the ICU for the first time, or if the patient’s privacy curtain is closed, please check at the nursing station before visiting.
• Each day between 9:30 and 10:00 a.m., each patient’s physician, nurse, therapists, social worker and other health team members discuss the patient’s plan of care. Family and significant others are welcome and encouraged to participate in these individualized discussions.
• Fresh flowers and plants are not permitted in the ICU due to limited space and for infection control. Visitors’ food and beverages are generally discouraged in the ICU.
• Clean hands are the most effective way to prevent infection. As you enter and leave the patient’s room, please use the disinfectant hand gel found in the patient’s room or the ICU Waiting Room or wash your hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds.

When visiting

• Touch and talk to your relative or friend. Even if they are not as “awake” as usual, they may still be able to hear you. Be positive and share the best wishes of family and friends. Sitting quietly in the room can also be comforting to the patient.
• Inform the nurse of the patient’s preferences of food, music, and beverages.
• Bring a few small mementos such as photos, cards, or Mylar balloons to make the room more cheerful. We encourage you to take valuables home. Please be sure to notify the nurse when removing these items from the room.
• Equipment and monitors alarm for many reasons and it does not necessarily mean something is wrong. Please do not touch any of the equipment in the room and feel free to ask the nurse if you are concerned.
• Our full-time chaplains are available to all patients and their families regardless of religious affiliation. Please discuss any family emotional, cultural, and/or religious needs with our nursing staff. You may request a chaplain visit through your nurse.
• Our hospital chapel is open 24-hours a day and located on the south end of the third floor for quiet, reflective time.
• A full-service cafeteria and vending machines are located on the third floor.  Hours of operation are posted, or you may check with your nurse.
• Take care of yourself –don’t forget to eat, rest, exercise, and take breaks from visiting. There are two rooms available for your convenience and use adjacent to the ICU.  One room is designed for quiet, restful time; the other for food, drink and socializing.

Thank you for helping us to achieve our highest priorities of comfort, well-being, recovery, and right to privacy for your relative or friend in the Intensive Care Unit. For additional visitor information, please click here.

Our goal is to provide both patients and visitors with an experience of excellent and compassionate care.

Contact us at (262) 785-2151 with any needs, questions, or concerns.