Each year, more than 1600 critically ill or injured patients are treated in Suburban Hospital's Critical Care Unit. More than half of these patients come to the Critical Care Unit through our regionally designated Emergency Shock Trauma Center. This designation, as one of only nine trauma centers across the state, magnifies the need for modern, technologically sophisticated critical care facilities. Additionally, as advances in technology, along with the influx of managed care, continue to shift patients to outpatient settings, hospitalization is reserved for the most acutely ill. Many of these patients require the specialized critical care medicine available in Suburban's state-of-the-art critical care units.

Staff

The critical care units have dedicated 24-hour coverage by full-time intensivists specializing in critical care medicine.

Dr. Leo Rotello is the medical director of the Critical Care Unit.

Other intensivists include:

• Tet Chan, M.D.
• Christopher Lettieri, M.D.
• Melissa Means-Markwell, M.D.
• Amir Nader, M.D.
• Tara Roque, M.D.

The Critical Care Unit is also staffed with specially trained critical care nurses who provide the highest level of care to patients and families. A genuine multidisciplinary approach to patient care ensures exceptional teamwork among nurses, physicians, ancillary health care providers and family.

Highlights

Suburban's 24-bed Critical Care Unit, located on the third floor of the hospital, features the following:

• A bright and open environment with natural light and soothing colors promotes peace and comfort for patients, families and staff. The unit features large, private patient rooms equipped with top-quality, state-of-the-art monitoring equipment. Glass retractable doors allow for full observation of all patients and immediate access for medical teams and equipment.
• The nursing and monitoring stations are decentralized with conveniently located computers and workstations outside each patient room.
• The family waiting area is expansive and comfortable with kitchen facilities, bathrooms and private consultation rooms.

Special Thanks

The $3.5 million state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit project was made possible by a $700,000 challenge grant awarded by the governor through the Maryland Hospital Association Bond Review Committee, along with nearly $1.3 million in private contributions.