THE PLANNING AND OPERATION OF AN INTENSIVE CARE UNIT.

It is desirable that every hospital of 100 beds or more should have an intensive care unit. An attempt is made to outline the more important features to be considered, including the physical aspects, when planning and establishing such a unit. The unit should contain 2-4% of the total number of hospital beds. It should be separate, centrally located and self-contained. Direct observation of all patients must be possible at all times. Efficient and specially trained personnel using modern and special equipment are required. Orientation lectures and demonstrations must be carried out frequently and regularly. The types of patients to be admitted to the unit are discussed, as well as the governing rules and regulations. All doctors should have a right to admit and look after their own patients in the unit; an Intensive Care Unit Committee made up of representatives of the major services is suggested as a means of controlling admissions and discharges and for general administration.