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Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society

The Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society (ANZICS) advocates for the intensive care community to improve the health outcomes of patients, families, care givers and health care professionals.

ANZICS is a member-based, non-for-profit organisation that works closely with key decision-makers in the healthcare sector, including government/non-government agencies, regulators and healthcare providers.

Through committees and special interest groups, the Society supports diverse service portfolios including clinical quality registries, clinical research, and facilitation of health initiatives in resource limited locations. ANZICS represents professional advocacy and provides educational offerings for intensive care clinicians as well as initiatives to support their welfare.

ANZICS provides accurate and timely information on all issues related to the provision of intensive care services across Australia and New Zealand to ensure the community is well-informed and provided with trusted advice.

Vision and Mission

Leading excellence in Intensive Care.

ANZICS aims to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients and their families by advancing intensive care practice.

ANZICS values integrity, respect, inclusiveness, collaboration, excellence and innovation.

How ANZICS can help

ANZICS supports the My Life After ICU website which aims to assist people who have spent time as a patient in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). For many people, particularly those who have experienced a prolonged ICU stay, a variety of physical and/or psychological health problems may persist for weeks and months after going home.

Information published on the site helps to inform about these health challenges and provide helpful resources to assist recovery. The content has been developed by intensive care doctors, nurses and allied health professionals, as well as patients who share their personal stories.

ANZICS fully supports strategies to improve the health literacy of the community and to actively involve patients and care givers to receive timely, targeted and accurate information relating to the practice of Intensive Care medicine.

Information lines / help lines

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Last reviewed: November 2024

Information from this partner

Found 71 results

Adults in ICU - My Life After ICU

Topics for adult patients who have gone through or are going through an ICU journey.

Read more on Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society website

Abdominal/bowel injury and surgery - My Life After ICU

Patients recovering from extensive bowel surgery often come to ICU. Patients with injuries to abdominal organs (such as the bowel or spleen) may also come to ICU. After surgery or an injury you may need some close nursing care. This is best done in ICU as you recover. Common experiences The injury and/or surgery can […]

Read more on Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society website

Anxiety - My Life After ICU

Many people who have been critically unwell suffer from problems with their mental health afterwards. They can experience conditions such as anxiety, depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These conditions can range from mild to severe. They can also overlap meaning that some people might have more than one mental health issue. Feelings of anxiety […]

Read more on Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society website

Brain fog and concentration issues - My Life After ICU

After leaving the ICU, 30% – 80% of patients may have problems with things like sleeping, concentration, memory and mood. You may have difficulty with remembering, paying attention, solving problems and working on complex tasks. Some describe these symptoms as “brain fog”. Doctors call it “cognitive dysfunction”. Delirium also plays a part in why some […]

Read more on Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society website

Brain injury - My Life After ICU

Some patients with a moderate to severe brain injury need to be cared for on ICU. This is because their injury may involve swelling, bleeding or fractures to the bones around and inside the head. In the short term, as swelling decreases, the brain function usually improves. There are many types of brain injuries. They […]

Read more on Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society website

Breathing supports - My Life After ICU

There are 3 main ways that breathing support can be given in ICU. 1. High flow oxygen through nasal prongs This is for patients who are breathing on their own. A device in their nose is attached to oxygen mixed with warm and humidified air. The oxygen is delivered in high-flow and can be given […]

Read more on Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society website

Breathing tube/ endotracheal tube (ETT) - My Life After ICU

Some patients require full support to breathe. These patients are connected to a ventilator (breathing machine) with a breathing tube. When a breathing tube is required to support breathing it is called ‘invasive ventilation'. Breathing tubes are inserted while the patient is under anaesthetic. Patients are given sedation to help them manage having a breathing […]

Read more on Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society website

Cardiac arrest - My Life After ICU

A “cardiac arrest” means the heart stops beating. This can happen due to different reasons. One common reason is a blockage in one of the blood vessels around the heart. It can also be caused by abnormal heart rhythms or be part of another illness. Resuscitation can be effective if it is given straight away and […]

Read more on Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society website

Cardiac (heart) surgery - My Life After ICU

Cardiac (heart) surgery can be a big stress to your body. It can take months to recover. It is normal to feel tired and worn out. It may take weeks for your breathing and exercise tolerance to return. Many people will have their cardiac surgery through the breastbone (sternum). The breastbone will take 6-8 weeks […]

Read more on Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society website

Children with a family member in ICU - My Life After ICU

Having a family member on ICU can be tough for children. Children will have different ways of trying to cope with the situation. What you can tell your child will also depend on their age. You can help your child by explaining and being honest if you don't know what is going to happen while […]

Read more on Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society website

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