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Critical Care Unit (CCU)
 It automatically becomes a stressful time when your loved one is in critical condition. Pekin Hospital recognizes the importance of family members during times of medical emergencies. We provide information regarding care decisions, which you may need to make while your loved one is critically ill. It is our goal to provide the highest quality of care while meeting the medical and emotional needs of the patients in the CCU.
What are visiting hours in the CCU?
Visiting hours are limited to 30 minutes, every two hours:
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9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
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11:30 a.m. - 12:00 Noon
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1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
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3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
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7:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Two visitors at a time are allowed in each room. You may call the Nurses' Station at (309) 347-1151, ext. 517, for patient updates during restricted hours.
Why does the CCU have restricted visiting hours?
We realize the importance of families and friends in the healing process. However, when a patient is critically ill, close monitoring and care is needed. The nurse will be performing many duties that require their full attention. It is during these times that the advanced training of our nurses will enable them to notice the subtle changes that need the immediate attention of the physician. The critically ill patient also needs plenty of rest. We have instituted generous but limited visiting hours so that our nurses may perform their critical duties without interruption while also allowing our patients periods of uninterrupted rest. There also may be times during scheduled visiting hours, such as during physician rounds, when families are asked to step out while we perform special duties. Exceptions to visiting hours will be made under special circumstances. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in observing our visiting hour restrictions.
What if the condition of my loved one changes during restricted hours?
During restricted hours, we will notify you of any change in your family member's condition. If someone will not be in the Waiting Area, please be sure to leave a phone number where a designated family spokesperson can be reached.
Are children allowed to visit patients in the CCU?
Children under the age of 12 years old are not permitted in the CCU. This rule is not only for the safety of our patients, but also for the children. Critically ill patients have a lower resistance to infections, and very young children do not have fully developed immune systems to resist exposure to illnesses. Young children may be with you in the Waiting Area, but an adult must be with them at all times.
What other rules does the CCU have about visiting?
If a special procedure or "Code Blue" situation occurs during visiting hours, the Unit will be restricted from visitors. We will then make every effort to give you some time with your family member when the emergency is over.
Family and visitors are not permitted to sleep in patient rooms in the CCU. If your loved one is critically unstable, talk with the nurse about options for being in the Waiting Area overnight. We encourage family to get as much rest as possible, so they will be able to care for their family member when they are released.
No food, drink or flowers are permitted in the CCU patient's room. If your family member receives flowers, they will be placed at the Nurses' Station until the patient is moved out of the Critical Care Unit.
Will the CCU help contact a member of the clergy?
Our CCU staff will be glad to assist you in contacting your clergy person. If you do not have a clergy person and wish to have someone contacted, nursing staff will assist you in obtaining one from our Pekin Hospital Pastoral Care Directory.
What is a Patient Care Category?
The physician caring for your family member will assign a "Patient Care Category" at the time of the patient's arrival. This category tells the nursing staff what to do if your family member should have a life-threatening event while they are in the hospital.
Many patients have already discussed their wishes before becoming critically ill. If these wishes are documented in the form of a "Living Will Declaration" or "Power of Attorney for Healthcare," be sure to notify nursing staff. If these decisions have not been made, we have trained staff available to help you and your loved one address this issue.
There are three options of Patient Care Categories to choose from:
Full Code. The patient will receive all necessary medical treatment to prolong life. This could include cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), endotracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, administration of drugs and cardiac shock.
Partial Code. The patient will receive the necessary medical interventions of their choice. For example, a patient might choose to receive CPR, but choose not to be placed on a mechanical ventilator. Another option might be to receive medications only. The physician will review all possible options with the patient and family so that the desired therapies will be received in the case of a life-threatening event while hospitalized. It should be clearly understood that a "Partial Code Status" allows for only the desired therapies to be provided during an emergency and their choice may result in a less successful outcome.
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR). The patient will not receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). No emergency or aggressive efforts will be made to prolong life. DNR does not mean that all treatment ends. The patient may still receive treatment to help them survive and remain comfortable. Your physician will discuss with you what therapies would be necessary and appropriate for your loved one. There may be times that a patient who has a DNR status will need to be in the Critical Care Unit. They may have specialized needs that can only be delivered in that Unit.
These options need to be reviewed with your family member's physician and nursing staff. It should also be clearly understood that a patient or their legally assigned agent can change their decision at anytime. Please consult the CCU staff immediately to change your Patient Care Category.
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