Revolutionary therapy in ICU

Zoe vanWilligen, physiotherapist

I was part of a team that introduced cycle ergometers into the general intensive care unit. We knew the positive impact that early mobilisation can have on patients and so we looked at how we could apply this knowledge to the intensive care environment. The cycle ergometers are essentially bedside bikes that allow us to help patients to exercise and keep moving, despite being on complex organ support equipment.

In the first year we treated 97 patients and were able to reduce their average length of stay on intensive care by two days. It’s been hugely rewarding to know that UHS supported our idea and that it’s benefited so many patients and influenced changes in the way the NHS approach the rehabilitation of intensive care patients.