TUH intensive care unit opens its doors for reunion

Former patients of the Townsville University Hospital (TUH) intensive care unit (ICU) will return to the ward that saved their lives next month as the unit hosts a special morning tea reunion.

The ICU morning tea will be held at TUH on Wednesday, 15 July, from 10:30am to 12:30pm, bringing together patients, families, and the staff who cared for them.

TUH ICU staff specialist Dr Joanna Longley said the event was created to give former patients the chance to find closure after what can be a traumatic and disorienting experience, while also giving ICU staff a rare glimpse into the lives of patients after discharge.

“For many ICU patients, long periods of unconsciousness or sedation can leave memories feeling fragmented or confusing,” Dr Longley said.

“Returning to the unit has helped former patients make sense of what happened to them and in some cases, reduced lingering anxiety about their stay.”

Dr Longley said the morning tea began after ICU staff recognised a gap in their understanding of patients’ journeys beyond the ward.

“The event has become deeply meaningful for the ICU team to be able to see how patients have fared since their time with us,” she said.

“We have former patients who come every year, some travelling from as far away as Sydney, and other patients who now feel ready to come back to visit months or years later.”

“We will have our ICU therapy dog Henry as a special guest on the day to provide extra comfort to those returning for the event.”

The ICU morning tea will include food, the opportunity to reunite with ICU doctors, nurses and allied health staff, and an optional short tour of the unit.

Former ICU patients or families who would like to attend are encouraged to reach out to the team via email at Joanna.Longley@health.qld.gov.au.