The evolution and nursing history of a general intensive care unit (1962-1983).

In this paper we have reviewed the origin and evolution of Whiston Hospital's General Intensive Care Unit (ICU) from its humble beginnings as an offshoot of a general ward in the early 1960s. The length of service of the senior nursing staff over a period of 21 years was also calculated. The average duration of service was 16.5 years--a figure which significantly surpassed those quoted in the literature. In addition, we have outlined the development of nurse training in intensive care as well as the role of the nurses in research in the ICU. The question as to whether later college-based training was superior to the previous hospital-based course remained unanswered.