11th September 2026
“It is a privilege to witness the resilience and humanity of patients, families and staff under the most difficult of circumstances.”
For one member of the Southern Trust Intensive Care team, these words capture what intensive care is all about.
During Intensive Care Week (7-13 September), the Trust is recognising the multidisciplinary teams who care for some of our sickest patients. Working together across a range of specialties, they support patients and families through some of the most challenging times in their lives
Based at Craigavon Area Hospital, they cared for 438 patients over the past year.
This year’s theme, ‘ICU. I See You.’, shines a light on the people behind intensive care and the difference they make to patients and families.
Asked what makes them proud to work in intensive care, staff spoke about supporting patients and families through uncertainty, helping patients regain independence and seeing the difference compassionate care can make.
One ICU nurse said:
“I can support patients and families during difficult moments. Seeing patients recover gives me a strong sense of purpose and achievement.”
A member of the physio team added:
“I get to work with a great team to help patients during their most vulnerable moments take their first steps towards independence, knowing the care they received helped bridge the gap between surviving an illness and truly living again.”
Joanna Percival, Lead Nurse for Intensive Care, said:
“When someone is admitted to intensive care, it can be an overwhelming and uncertain time for both patients and their loved ones. Alongside providing highly specialised clinical care, we are there to offer reassurance, compassion and support throughout their journey. Every member of our multidisciplinary team plays an important role in caring for the whole person and helping families through some of the most challenging days of their lives. I am incredibly proud of the professionalism, kindness and commitment shown by our staff every day.”
Declan McClements, Director of Surgery and Clinical Services, added:
“Intensive care demonstrates the very best of multidisciplinary working. By bringing together a wide range of expertise, our teams provide care centred on the needs of each patient. This commitment reflects our Trust values and supports our vision of working together to improve the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve.”