2.2.4. Deaths in ICU
Almost all deaths are planned withdrawals of active treatment. Talk to the parent unit about your plan. You do not need their permission to cease active treatment, but it should never be a surprise for them either.
Almost all patients who have active treatment withdrawn are able to die in ICU. Some patients will be stable enough to be transferred to hospice or the acute ward. If in your opinion death will take more than 6 – 12 hours, consider referral to palliative care for consideration of hospice admission.
All patients are considered for Organ and/or Tissue donation. Contact DonateLife for ALL patients who are expected to die to ascertain registration status and suitability for donation.
Almost all patients who have active treatment withdrawn are able to die in ICU. Some patients will be stable enough to be transferred to hospice or the acute ward. If in your opinion death will take more than 6 – 12 hours, consider referral to palliative care for consideration of hospice admission.
All patients are considered for Organ and/or Tissue donation. Contact DonateLife for ALL patients who are expected to die to ascertain registration status and suitability for donation.