ICU Admission in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What is an intensive care admission?
An intensive care admission is the moment a patient's care moves up to the highest level the hospital provides. The decision is made by doctors, usually the intensivist together with the team already looking after your relative, when an illness needs closer watching or organ support beyond what a ward can give.
At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, the admission follows a clear sequence: the patient is received by the ICU team, made stable, assessed from head to toe, and given a written plan led by a senior doctor. This page explains that sequence so you know what is happening while you wait outside the unit.
Who needs it
Patients reach the ICU by four main routes:
- From the emergency department, when someone arrives very unwell, for example with a severe infection, breathing difficulty or after a collapse. The Emergency department starts treatment, and the ICU team joins early. How that hand-over works is described under emergency referral and admission.
- After an operation, either as a planned precaution arranged before surgery or because the anaesthetist and surgeon decide during the operation that closer monitoring is wise.
- From a ward, when a patient's observations change and the ward team calls for a critical care review. Early referral is the aim, so support starts before a problem becomes an emergency.
- By transfer from another hospital, when a patient needs a bed or care that the first hospital is looking for elsewhere.
Some patients are first cared for in high-dependency care, a step between the ward and full intensive care.
What happens
The first hours focus on making your relative safe. If breathing or circulation is failing, the team supports it straight away, as described under resuscitation and stabilisation. Oxygen is given, and some patients are connected to a ventilator; the page on mechanical ventilation explains that in detail.
Next come the lines and tests. A central line may be placed in the neck or chest for strong medicines, and an arterial line in the wrist for continuous blood pressure. Blood tests, a chest X-ray, a heart tracing and often a scan help the doctors understand what is driving the illness. Medicines are started according to purpose: to fight infection, support blood pressure, ease pain or keep your relative calm and comfortable.
The first day often involves many tests and procedures, so you may wait some time before you can see your relative. This is normal. Each procedure needs a clean, calm space, and the team would rather settle your relative properly than rush. A nurse will come to you as soon as the bedside is ready.
Once the patient is stable, a senior doctor reviews everything and sets out a plan: the working diagnosis, the organs being supported, what the team is watching for and what would count as improvement. Where your relative needs a treatment outside the unit's own equipment, such as kidney support, the ICU team arranges it with the relevant specialist, or by transfer to a hospital that provides it.
Every day after that follows a rhythm built around the daily round. The intensivist, nurses and other specialists meet at the bedside, go through each organ system, review results and update the plan. Families usually hear the outcome of the round from the doctor or the nurse in charge.
Preparing for it
Many ICU admissions happen suddenly, so there is rarely time to plan. A few simple steps help the team and ease your own load:
- Choose one family contact. One person receives updates and shares them, which keeps messages accurate.
- Bring a list of medicines your relative takes, including herbal remedies, plus any recent reports or discharge letters.
- Write down your questions before you speak to the doctor, and write down the answers.
- Share your relative's wishes. If they have ever shared views about medical treatment, such as a written advance wish, tell the team. Religious and cultural needs, such as prayer or the presence of a family member at important moments, can be discussed with the nurses.
- Keep contact details up to date, especially for relatives abroad who may need a set time to call.
Visiting arrangements are explained to you by the unit when your relative arrives.
Afterwards
Once the first plan is in place, the team meets with the family to explain what is happening. Decisions are shared: the doctors give their medical advice, and you tell them what matters to your relative. For major choices, the team takes time, answers questions and repeats information whenever you need it. Support for families is described in more depth under family communication and support.
As your relative improves, support is reduced step by step, and they move to high-dependency care or a ward when the team is confident they are ready.
If you have a concern about your relative at any time, ask to speak with the nurse in charge or the ICU doctor. Once your relative is home after discharge, call the hospital on 06 599 7777 or go to the emergency department if new breathlessness, confusion, fever or chest pain appears.
Cost and insurance
Intensive care is included in most UAE insurance plans, and emergency admissions are usually notified to the insurer by the hospital, with approval then renewed as the stay continues. Transfers and specialist support arranged elsewhere may need separate approval. The insurance office at Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can explain your relative's cover on 06 599 7777.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
How is a patient admitted to the ICU?
A patient is admitted to the ICU when doctors decide their illness needs continuous monitoring or organ support, usually after a review by the intensivist. Patients come from the emergency department, from the operating theatre, from a ward when they become more unwell, or by transfer from another hospital.
Why can't we see our relative straight away after ICU admission?
Families often wait on the first day because the team is placing lines, running tests and stabilising the patient, and each step needs a calm, clean space. A nurse will tell you when the bedside is ready and explain what you will see.
When will a doctor speak to the family?
A doctor usually speaks with the family once the patient is stable and a first plan is agreed, and after the daily round on following days. If you have not had an update, ask the nurse in charge to arrange a conversation with the ICU doctor.
Who makes decisions about treatment in intensive care?
Treatment decisions in intensive care are made by the medical team together with the family, guided by what the patient would want. The doctors explain the medical options and their advice, and you share your relative's values and wishes so the plan reflects them.
What are the risks of being admitted to intensive care?
The main risks in intensive care come from the illness itself and from the treatments needed to support the body, such as infection from lines and tubes, bleeding, muscle weakness and confusion. The team explains the specific risks for your relative, and some treatments may not work or may be stopped if they are no longer helping.
What if my relative needs treatment the ICU does not provide?
If your relative needs a treatment the unit does not provide, such as certain types of kidney support, the ICU team arranges it with the relevant specialist or organises a transfer to a hospital that provides it. The team explains the reason and keeps you informed at each step.
Can family members abroad get updates?
Families abroad can receive updates through the one nominated family contact, who passes information on. Tell the team early if a relative overseas needs to join an important conversation, so a suitable time can be arranged.
Does insurance cover an ICU admission?
Most UAE insurance plans cover intensive care, and for emergency admissions the hospital usually notifies the insurer, with approval renewed as the stay continues. Confirm your relative's cover with Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah on 06 599 7777.
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