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Leaving the Critical Care Unit is an important milestone in your recovery. While it often brings relief, it can also be a time of uncertainty. This page explains what you and your family may experience after your stay and where support is available.
Recovery following critical care is different for everyone. Progress may be gradual, and good days and difficult days are both part of the process.
Please remember that what you are feeling is valid, recovery takes time, and support is available.
Your care team is here to help you move forward.
When you no longer need intensive monitoring, you will be transferred to another ward or service. This move can feel sudden and you may notice:
This does not mean you are being discharged too early. It means your condition has improved and you no longer need specialist critical care support.
Once you are on the ward, our Critical Care Outreach Team will follow up.
It is common to feel physically weak after a stay in the Critical Care Unit. You may experience:
These effects can take time to improve. Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and nursing staff will support your recovery and help you regain strength and independence at a safe pace.
After a stay in the Critical Care Unit, some people may have:
This is common and often improves with time. Talking about yoiur experience, reading a patient diary (if one was kept), or discussing memories with your friends and family can help things make more sense.
Critical illness can affect how you feel emotionally as well as physically. You may notice:
These reactions are normal after a stay in the Critical Care Unit. Please tell staff if you are struggling. Emotional and physical support is available, and help can continue after you leave the hospital.
Some people need further rehabilitation after leaving our unit. This may include physiotherapy or occupational therapy, follow-up appointments or clinics, and/or support from community services.
Your care team will discuss next steps with you and involve you in planning your recovery.
Going home can feel exciting but also daunting. Before you're discharged, the team will make sure you are medically safe to leave hospital. They'll also provide information about medication and follow-up care, and explain who to contact if you have concerns.
Please ask questions if anything is unclear. No question is too small.
Some patients are offered follow-up support after leaving the Critical Care Unit. This may include:
If you are unsure whether this applies to you, please ask your care team.
Recovering after a stay in the Critical Care Unit can take time. While many people recover well, it is common to experience physical, emotional or memory-related symptoms such as fatigue, vivid dreams, anxiety, or confusion.
Our follow-up clinic supports you as you recover, offering reassurance, advice and the opportunity to ask questions about your time with us. We routinely offer an appointment three to six months after admission, usually by telephone, with the option of arranging a visit to the unit if this would help with recovery.
After you've been discharged, please seek advice if you experience:
Your GP can provide support and refer you to specialist services if needed.
Many patients and families find it helpful to know they are not alone.
Support organisations such as ICU steps provide information and peer support for people affected by critical illness.
Staff can help you access further resources, or you can view the list of support resources below.
Has a member of staff or team at one of our hospitals or community services made a real difference to you or a loved one?
Our Patient Choice Award 2026 recognises colleagues whose kindness, compassion and dedication have had a lasting impact. If someone went above and beyond during your care, we'd love to hear your story.
Nominate them today and help us celebrate the people who make a difference every day.
