This service brings together a team of expert doctors, experienced nurses, and allied health workers. They work closely to care for patients with the most serious and complex health problems including:
- Major injuries (trauma)
- heart and chest surgery, including adults born with heart problems
- advanced surgeries in areas like ear, nose and throat (ENT), plastic surgery, blood vessels (vascular surgery), brain surgery (neurosurgery), and kidney transplants
- bone marrow transplants and CAR T cell therapy (a treatment for certain cancers)
- life support with machines like extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), which helps with heart and lung function
Visiting the Intensive Care Service (ICS) at Westmead
Visiting hours are from 10am to 8pm.
Please keep noise levels low and make sure there is enough space for everyone. Only two visitors per patient are allowed at any time.
The ICU can be a scary place for children. Please talk to staff if you want to bring children.
Please do not visit if you have a cold or any other infectious illness.
We want to stop germs from spreading between visitors and patients. When you visit, we’ll show you how to keep everyone safe.
Please wash your hands every time you enter or leave the patient’s room. There is liquid soap near the door.
We respect everyone’s privacy. Do not take photos or videos in the ICS. If there is a special reason, please talk to the staff first.
Mobile phones and devices can interfere with important medical equipment. Phone calls can also be noisy.
Please do not use your phone in the ICS. You can make calls in the waiting room or other hospital areas.
No flowers are allowed in the ICS. Water near electrical equipment is dangerous and flowers can bring infection.
You can bring photos, cards, or soft toys for your loved one instead.
We provide basic items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, and soap.
You can bring other items like deodorant, razor, shampoo, conditioner, hairbrush, hairbands, and personal music devices.
Please check with your nurse about using electrical devices safely.
Valuables can be lost or take time to replace. Please keep money, jewellery, dentures, hearing aids, and other belongings safe. We may ask family to take valuables home.
Visitors should also look after their own valuables.
Please do not bring any food, drinks or medication unless a senior doctor has asked you to.
Toilets are near the C or D lifts on Level 2.
Allied health services available
Social workers can help with emergencies. During business hours, they can assist with accommodation, finances, family visits, counselling and support.
Aboriginal Liaison Officers (ALO) provide support.
To arrange a meeting, ask your nurse or social worker, or call (02) 8890 6699 and mention the patient is in Intensive Care.
We offer religious support for all faiths.
Speak to staff if you want to talk with the chaplaincy team.
The Chapel is on Level 2 near the cafeteria and A/B lifts.
Muslim prayer spaces for men are on Level 2 near the library.
For women, the Muslim prayer space is on Level 3 balcony above the Chapel (near ward A3c).
We want you to understand your loved one’s care fully.
Free professional interpreters are available to help. Family members cannot act as interpreters for important medical discussions.
Ask your nurse or social worker to arrange an interpreter.
If you need a place to stay overnight, staff can give you a list of nearby hotels.
Our hospital supports the latest health research. You or your family member might be asked to join a research study.
Taking part is your choice. Care will not change whether you join or not.
If you want more information, ask your treating team.
Work and study with us
Westmead ICS is fully accredited by the College of Intensive Care Medicine to provide training in General ICU, Neuro ICU, Cardiac ICU, and Trauma ICU. Our unit sees very sick patients and focuses on a supportive team culture, making it a great place to learn and work for staff at all levels.
We welcome staff from many different health roles and stages in their careers:
Resident Medical Officers (RMOs)
- Our ICU term is one of the most popular at Westmead.
- RMOs enjoy a set roster with no night shifts or overtime.
- You’ll get regular face-to-face supervision from senior doctors.
Critical Care SRMOs
- Thinking about a future in Emergency, ICU or Anaesthetics?
- Our SRMOs do an anaesthesia term and gain hands-on experience with procedures.
- You’ll also get chances to do research, quality projects, simulation training, teaching, and develop leadership skills.
ICU Trainees
As members of the CICM (College of Intensive Care Medicine), trainees benefit from:
- High exam pass rates
- A strong education program
- Ongoing mentorship
- Access to our exclusive online learning library
Advanced ICU Trainees and Transition Year Fellows
- We support your final training years with a clear path of growing responsibility.
- You’ll build the skills to become a confident and independent ICU specialist.
ICU Specialists
- Our team culture is welcoming and professional.
- We offer career development through partnerships with The University of Sydney and research organisations.
Nurses and Allied Health Staff
- We have high staff retention and strong interest in our positions.
- We offer strong training and career support.
Westmead ICS is a leading education provider in the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD). We run a range of high-quality courses and learning opportunities.
Courses we offer:
- BASIC Course: 2 to 4 times a year (30 participants per course)
- CALS Course: 4 times a year
- Beyond BASIC: Airway – annually
- SAFE Course: ICU Part II exam prep (with Nepean ICU and ICET)
- HEART Echocardiography Course: twice a year
Ongoing Learning at Westmead ICS
- Weekly lectures
- Monthly journal clubs
- Monthly research roundtables
- Weekly interdisciplinary case discussions
- Fortnightly simulation training
Ultrasound training
Staff interested in point-of-care ultrasound can train with:
- CCPU (Clinician Certification in Point of Care Ultrasound)
- DDU (Diploma of Diagnostic Ultrasound)
CICM Exam Support
Our teaching team includes CICM examiners with a strong track record. We offer:
- Weekly hot case and viva practice
- Written exam practice with feedback
- Peer learning with trainees across Australia through our wide education network