The Specialty Hospital at Levindale was the first Maryland long-term care hospital to open a high intensity care unit. The unit is staffed by highly trained clinicians who round daily to provide ongoing clinical management to patients with medically complex illnesses. This includes respiratory therapists and registered nurses who are all certified in advanced cardiac life support. The ratio of nurses to patients is adapted to this level of care.
Adding to the continuum of care is an on-site pharmacy with around-the-clock access, laboratory, and diagnostic radiological services. Direct access to local hospitals’ medical experts is also available.
Patients in the High Intensity Care Unit are monitored for cardiac conditions and serious complex conditions. They may be admitted directly fro intensive care units, coronary care units and intermediate care units for ongoing care, or may be transferred within the facility due to a change in condition.
Patients who meet the chronic criteria and who have a medical or surgical problem that requires cardiac or intensive monitoring are candidates for the High Intensity Care Unit. This includes patients with:
- Increasing congestive heart failure who are hemodynamically stable
- Recent cardiothoracic surgery
- Drug toxicities with arrhythmogenic compounds such as digitalis and tricyclic antidepressants
- Electrolyte disturbances with a potential for life-threatening arrhythmias
The unit accepts patients who are 18 years of age or older.
Special Services
Regular cardiology and pulmonary critical care support are combined with continuous heart monitoring for life-threatening arrhythmia and other therapies. These therapies include ventilator management and weaning, chest tube management, and complex airway management.
Levindale’s High Intensity Care Unit also treats other conditions that require:
- IV medications
- Peripherally inserted central catheter lines
- Dialysis
- Wound care and rehabilitation services
- Total parenteral nutrition
- Additional nutritional interventions
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LVAD
The rehabilitation team at the Specialty Hospital at Levindale has been specially trained to work with patients who have a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD). An LVAD is a mechanical heart, which is surgically attached to a patient’s own weak heart. Therapists provide one to three hours of therapy Monday through Friday and services are available on weekends.
Our goal is to mobilize the patient as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary medical complications. Levindale’s team works in close collaboration with the implantation center to ensure safe and optimal care.
For more information or to tour Levindale, call 410-601-2400.
Levindale's TTY phone number is 410-601-2153 for the hearing impaired.