Hospital Services
Critical Care Medicine
The medical professionals at Salem Chest Specialists (SCS) provide on-site 24-hour monitoring and acute care for adult critically ill patients at NH Forsyth Medical Center. The primary medical ICU is a 30-bed unit on the 2nd floor, but there are additional ICU’s (cardiac, cardiovascular surgery, neurologic) which comprise an additional 30 beds on the 1st and 5th floor. Salem Chest Specialists provide medical directorship for Critical Care Services and the Respiratory Therapy department of the hospital.
Each area has continuous hemodynamic monitoring capabilities with Registered Nurses (RN’s) and Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) competent in critical care delivery. In addition, bedside care is provided by specialists from Pharmacy, Nutrition, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy. Nurse to patient ratio usually is 1:2, although 1:1 care is often necessary for the sickest patients such as those requiring continual dialysis.
We understand that having a family member or loved one in the ICU can be difficult, so our critical care team members are dedicated to keeping you informed and answering your questions. We strive to include family members in our daily multidisciplinary rounds which normally occur at 10:00am.
Some Specific ICU Services:
On-site, Intensive Care Unit Coverage 24/7 by board certified Critical Care Physician
Ventilator management
Central venous and arterial line placement
Bronchoscopy
Chest tube placement and management
ECMO (extra-corporal membrane oxygenation) management
Hospital Based Services:
Bronchoscopy
Standard bronchoscopy with alveolar lavage, brushings, transbronchial biopsies, etc.
Ultrasound guided bronchoscopy (EBUS) biopsy
Electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (Nav-bronch)
Chest tube placement and management
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Exercise therapy
Health education
Breathing retraining
Behavior modification services for nutrition and stress management
