Progressive Care Unit

The PCU is available 24/7 to meet the unique needs of patients who are too sick to stay on a regular hospital floor, but are not sick enough to require a stay in our ICU.

If you spent time in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), had major surgery or require frequent monitoring, our 18-bed Progressive Care Unit (PCU) can serve as a step-down unit to help you on your path to recovery.

Our PCU staff members are specially trained to provide advanced care to patients suffering from a range of critical conditions, including:

Heart attack, defibrillator or pacemaker implant or other cardiac condition
Stroke
Cancer or orthopaedic surgery
Severe pneumonia
Sepsis or other serious or systemic infection
Chronic or complicated nonhealing wounds

Pneumonia

This is an infection of the lungs. It can make breathing difficult. For some people, especially young children, the elderly and people who have a weak immune system, it can be very serious.

For Your Comfort

During your stay at our PCU, you will benefit from a low nurse-to-patient ratio that promotes frequent monitoring and personalized care. Our staff will perform blood tests and monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and weight in accordance with your doctor’s instructions.

All rooms in the PCU are equipped with a TV and phone. Private rooms are available for patients with special needs. Because the PCU can be noisy due to monitoring equipment, earplugs are available upon request.

Our Progressive Care Unit Team

Our PCU team collaborates with other medical providers, including your referring physician, specialists, home health agency and skilled/extended care nursing facility to ensure that you receive the most complete care. Our team includes:

Critical Care Physicians (Intensivists)

Our critical care physicians are trained and certified in critical care medicine and oversee the care provided to PCU patients. Your critical care physician may act as your primary physician, a consultant or an advisor to your primary physician.

PCU Registered Nurses

Our PCU nurses have received special training in caring for the critically ill, and many of our RNs have earned their Critical Care Certification.

Respiratory Specialists

Our registered respiratory therapists play an important role in helping patients with breathing problems. In coordination with your physician, they manage ventilators, administer special breathing treatments, assist with breathing exercises and provide education on how to maintain healthy breathing.

Clinical Pharmacists

Our clinical pharmacists are responsible for monitoring selected areas of your drug therapy. Prior to discharge, they are available to answer your questions about the medications you will be taking at home.