Who is the Department of Critical Care?

We are a multidisciplinary department specialising in the treatment of the critically ill patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Internationally, there is move towards creating closed Intensive Care Units directed by Intensivists. Studies show that this system significantly reduces mortality and morbidity in ICU. At the UFS we are privileged to be an independent department, in the ideal position to promote the newly established subspecialty of Critical Care.


Doctors are increasingly recognising the value of additional training in this discipline at any level.

Training

Training of specialists in this subspecialty has already started and candidates are preparing for the examination of the Colleges of Medicine. The post-graduate university course - equivalent to the College qualification is being planned.

Training to registrars from other disciplines is also offered:

• Surgical discipline,
• Anaesthesia,
• Internal Medicine,
• Obstetrics/Gynaecology.

This training takes place during a 3-month rotation period in Critical Care, compulsory for the Surgical disciplines and Anaesthesia. The greatest part of the theoretic training for the Surgical Intermediate section is also provided by the Department of Critical Care.

It has also been shown that the standard of pre-hospital and pre-ICU care is a critical factor in the prognosis of critically ill patients. Pre-graduate training and training of junior doctors is therefore our focus. There is increasing demand from junior doctors to increase their skills and experience in critical care before taking on private practice or specialising. We play an important role in the provision of quality care for critically ill patients in all areas and levels of health care in South Africa.

Our Team

Our strong team of full time consultants and medical officers form a basis for service delivery, with essential input from rotating registrars and part-time consultants. Together with nursing staff, administrative personnel and allied health care professionals such as physiotherapists, dieticians and occupational therapists we form a formidable, dynamic team able to enthusiastically approach the holistic, integrated management of the critically ill patient.