Critical Care Services at St. Joseph's/Candler
In critical care situations, every moment matters. Patients and their families should be reassured that the highest form of medical excellence is available to them in medical emergencies. At St. Joseph's/Candler, our Critical Care Units provide around-the-clock, specialized care with a dedicated team of board-certified physicians and registered nurses, credentialed and expertly trained in advanced critical care.
Our mission is to safeguard health, relieve pain and suffering and restore wellness in a safe environment. We offer expert therapy services and emotional and spiritual support for patients and their families. Learn more about our critical care units at St. Joseph's Hospital and Candler Hospital below.
St. Joseph's Hospital Critical Care
Coronary Care Unit (CCU)
Location: First Floor
The CCU specializes in cardiac care, treating patients who have experienced heart attacks, heart rhythm disturbances or complex heart catheterization procedures. It also serves as the immediate post-operative unit for patients recovering from open-heart surgery. Patients benefit from real-time monitoring of their heart rhythm, oxygen levels, blood pressure and overall cardiac health. This ensures we can execute timely interventions and achieve better outcomes during recovery.
Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Location: First Floor
The ICU provides critical care for patients with complex medical and surgical needs. Our team treats individuals facing:
- Respiratory failure (requiring mechanical ventilation)
- Renal (kidney) failure (requiring hemodialysis)
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Lung conditions or drug overdose
Because our patients’ needs are so diverse, our nurses bring a wide range of skills to every shift. Their expertise goes beyond clinical knowledge—they are skilled communicators and quick problem-solvers who understand that healing begins with human connection. By blending clinical excellence with empathy and adaptability, they ensure each patient receives thoughtful, high-quality care in every circumstance.
In addition to expert nursing care, patients benefit from physical and speech therapists, wound/ostomy specialists and dietitians to support recovery. Spiritual support is also available through daily clergy visits. Families are encouraged to designate a spokesperson for updates to protect patient confidentiality. We offer 30-minute visits during even hours, limited to two visitors at a time, and children under 12 years old are not permitted to visit.
We can be reached by telephone at 912-819-2458.
Neuro Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Location: Second Floor
The NICU specializes in neurological care, providing advanced treatment for patients with head injuries, brain tumors, strokes, hemorrhages and altered mental status. This unit features innovative technology in every spacious room, with nurses' stations designed for clear visibility of all patients.
Patients often require the support of respiratory, physical, speech and occupational therapists, nutritional guidance from dietitians and specialized wound/ostomy care. The NICU environment prioritizes psychosocial, spiritual and physical recovery, providing complete support for patients and families.
While we strive to accommodate visitors, there are specific guidelines to ensure patient safety:
- No outside food or drink (except water) to be consumed by the visitor in the patient room.
- Only two visitors at a time, except in comfort care or bereavement situations.
- One visitor may spend the night if necessary. We encourage everyone to go home and rest.
- No one under the age of 12, unless otherwise mandated hospital-wide (flu season, for example).
- Visitors may be asked to leave during procedures and patient care.
- We reserve the right to ask any visitor to leave if they are disruptive or not adhering to the above guidelines.
Neuro Stepdown Unit (7 South)
Location: Seventh Floor
The Neuro Stepdown Unit provides specialized care for patients recovering from neurological events. This unit uses a cross-functional team approach to monitor and treat patients with subtle changes in neurological status. Patients receive continuous monitoring of vital signs, respiratory function and heart rhythms, ensuring they remain stable during their recovery process.
Progressive Care Unit (PCU)
Location: Third Floor
The PCU offers advanced care for medical-surgical and cardiac patients requiring intensive observation and skilled nursing. Here, we specialize in treating:
- Heart rhythm disturbances
- Cardiac procedures (e.g., catheterization, pacemaker insertions, electrophysiology studies)
- General surgery patients with complications and those with kidney, lung or gastrointestinal problems
Visiting hours are from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and 30-minute visits are limited to two people at a time. Children under 12 are not permitted to visit.
Candler Hospital Critical Care
Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Location: Second Floor
The ICU at Candler Hospital delivers thorough, round-the-clock care for cardiac, pulmonary, neurological and medical-surgical patients. With advanced monitoring in every private room, patients receive individualized attention and expert-level care. All nursing staff are educated in advanced cardiac life support and must meet rigorous requirements for critical care status each year.
We offer advanced treatments, including:
- Intra-aortic balloon pumping
- Mechanical ventilation
- Continuous renal replacement therapy
For family convenience, the ICU features a comfortable waiting area with sofas and vending machines. The information desk provides updates and visitation details.
To contact our unit, call 912-819-6000 and ask for the ICU nurses' station.
Internally you may use our intercom system located on the wall just outside the unit doors. Our fax number is (912) 819-6665. We are open 24 hours a day.
Progressive Care Unit (PCU)
Location: Second Floor
The PCU at Candler Hospital provides high-level care for patients transitioning from more critical units. Staffed by registered nurses and specialists, the unit offers:
- Continuous cardiac monitoring
- Remote telemetry monitoring linked to a neighboring medical-surgical unit
- Comprehensive nursing care focused on stabilization and recovery
Why Choose St. Joseph's/Candler for Critical Care?
When it comes to critical care, St. Joseph's/Candler offers unmatched expertise, world-class training and pioneering technology. Our patients benefit from:
- Expert Multidisciplinary Teams: Board-certified physicians, registered nurses and specialized therapists deliver coordinated, expert-level care.
- State-of-the-Art Technology: With advanced monitoring and treatment systems, we ensure precise and effective care for even the most complex conditions.
- Comprehensive Family Support: Our team prioritizes not only patient wellness but also the emotional and spiritual needs of their loved ones, with daily clergy visits and comfortable family waiting areas.
- Patient-Centric Environment: Every room is private, ensuring dignity and comfort, while family-friendly amenities create a welcoming space for loved ones.
We’re here to help. Whether you have questions about services, need assistance or want to connect with a member of our team, we invite you to reach out.
For St. Joseph’s Hospital, please call 912-819-2458.
For Candler Hospital, please call at 912-819-6000.