The eICU Turns 10

RALEIGH, N.C. (September 12, 2022) – The WakeMed eICU recently celebrated 10 years of providing an enhanced level of care to our sickest patients. Based at the Operations Center on Atlantic Avenue, the eICU team of critical care nurses, physicians and support staff provides extra set of eyes and ears for patients across the system, primarily in the ICU environment.

The eICU team – which has grown from 16 to 23 over the past decade – uses carefully placed cameras and numerous computer screens to monitor patient vital signs, medications and test results right along with the bedside team. The eICU utilizes Philips Healthcare monitoring technology and is regularly rated among the top tele-ICUs nationally and internationally (according to Philips-tracked metrics). “Over the past 10 years, our potential census has grown from 88 to a maximum potential of 138 patients. We have incredibly strong partnerships with our ICU staff and physicians, as well as our Information Services team, who play a critical role in our work,” commented Shelly Deifer, RN, eICU manager. “It is so rewarding to be able to support our entire system and the delivery of life-changing care.”

During the pandemic, the eICU expanded their scope of services to help monitor COVID-19 patients. Twenty eICU carts were deployed across the system, bringing eICU capabilities to non-traditional ICU settings. The carts helped increase communication with the bedside team while limiting in-person exposure and PPE usage. Now that the COVID surges have waned, some carts are being used in Emergency Departments to support the care of patients who are awaiting an ICU bed.

“The eICU is an incredible asset to our organization and our community,” commented David Kirk, MD, Associate Chief Medical Officer and medical director for the service. “This service has allowed us to provide safer care for our sickest patients and is a demonstration of our continued commitment to continually enhancing the care we provide.”

Photo Caption: Sharon Parga, Katie King, Kathy Bauer, Monica Dale, Vicki Tyndall, Beverly Alfman have been part of the eICU team since it first went live on September 12, 2012. Today’s eICU team of 17 nurses has a total of 372 combined years of Critical Care nursing experience!

About WakeMed Health & Hospitals

Serving the community since 1961, WakeMed is a not-for-profit health care system founded and based in Raleigh, N.C. WakeMed exists to improve the health and well-being of our community by providing outstanding and compassionate care to all. WakeMed’s 970-bed system comprises a network of facilities throughout the Triangle area, including three full-service hospitals, seven emergency departments, a dedicated Children’s Hospital and Rehabilitation Hospital, more than 80 physician offices and Wake County’s only Level I Trauma Center. WakeMed’s mission-driven team includes more than 10,300 employees, 1,000 volunteers and 1,300 affiliated physicians, along with the more than 700 physicians and providers with WakeMed Physician Practices – all representing the best minds and the biggest hearts and the finest quality in health care and community health. For more information, visit www.wakemed.org or follow WakeMed on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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