Visiting the ICU

Visiting hours are strictly 10am to 8pm. This is to ensure adequate patient rest occurs. Two visitors are permitted at the bed space at a time.

Visiting is generally restricted to immediate family members only. Children may visit but must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

At times, it may not be possible to visit a patient even within those times, or visiting restrictions may change. Check with ICU staff for the latest information before you visit.

If you have any questions or concerns while visiting a loved one in ICU, speak to the bedside nurse looking after your relative.

Our medical staff conduct ward rounds twice a day in the morning and evening. The patient’s next of kin (NOK) or their nominated representative is welcome to attend the afternoon ward round to ask questions to gain a greater understanding of their loved one’s condition and progress. The duration of ward rounds varies according to patient needs.  

 Medical ward rounds from Monday to Sunday are: 

• 7:30am to 10am
• 3pm to 5pm 

ICU staff have an obligation to maintain patient confidentiality. Medical information can only be provided to a patient’s next of kin (NOK) or their nominated representative.

We work with families soon after a patient's admission to identify a patient's NOK and identify their nominated representatives:  

• Patient enquiries by phone is only available to the two listed representatives
• The two representatives are then responsible for communicating clinical updates to other family members or friends as they see appropriate

Contact the RMH Switchboard on (03) 9342 7000 and ask to speak to Intensive Care Unit.

• We care for a vulnerable group of patients, so do not visit if you are unwell
• If required, video calls via Telehealth can be facilitated at the bedside and a doctor or nurse can provide an update
• Sanitise your hands and wear your mask when entering and exiting the ICU
• No flowers are allowed at the bed space due to infection risk
• Food and drink should not be consumed at the bedside due to infection risk

• Bring in toiletries, dentures, glasses and hearing aids (if required)
• Do not bring valuables or money
• Bring in the patient’s medications or a list of current medications, if possible

• Switch your mobile phone to silent mode
• Make any calls outside of the ICU
• Strict privacy guidelines are in place regarding photography and video or voice recording of patients and staff
• Speak to ICU staff for further guidance about device usage

• Toilets for visitors, including disabled access and baby change facilities are located in the ICU waiting area
• The toilets within the ICU are for staff members only

Limited public car parking is available onsite. If the patient is in the ICU for a long time, family members may be eligible for a reduced parking pass.

Find out more about parking near the RMH Parkville.

Many patients admitted to the ICU cannot make decisions regarding their health care and they need someone to help make care decisions for them.

The Medical Treatment Decision Maker (MTDM) makes decisions regarding medical treatment if a patient loses the capacity to make these decisions for themselves. Until this time, an appointed MTDM has no role or status. The MTDM acts on behalf of the patient. A patient can appoint an MTDM providing they are legally able to make decisions.

If an MTDM is not appointed and a patient is unable to communicate their wishes, the MTDM is identified using the hierarchy listed in the Medical Treatment Planning and Decisions Act 2016.

Most treatments in the ICU are delivered as an emergency. Because of this, specific consent is not required or routinely sought.

The ICU team aims to communicate changes in your loved one's condition in a timely manner to make sure the next of kin (NOK) or MTDM are well-informed at all times.