Critical Care

About Our Critical Care Program

Samuel S. Dennis 3d & Lillian W. Dennis Critical Care Center (CCC)

The Samuel S. Dennis 3d & Lillian W. Dennis Critical Care Center (CCC) is a 14-bed unit and primarily cares for mixed medical surgical intensive care patients. This state-of-the art unit combines advanced technology with a compassionate team approach.

Our Doctors

• Brian O’Gara, MD
• Hemant Joshi, MD, PhD
• Arthi Thangaraj, MD
• Daniel Walsh, MD (Director)
• John Wengryn, MD

Nursing Leadership

• Lisa Bergendahl, MSHM, BSN, CCRN (Director of Critical Care and Respiratory Therapy)

Important Phone Numbers

Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Plymouth: 508-746-2000
Critical Care Patient Information Number: 508-830-2340
Critical Care Center Director: 508-732-1686

Information for Patients and Families

In the CCC, we strive to deliver the highest standards of nursing and medical care to our patients. We also welcome the comforting presence and support of family and friends during a loved one's stay in the CCC and recognize this can be an important part of ones healing process. To make your visit easier, read below for useful information:

Communicating with the CCC Staff

We recommend you designate one person to be a family spokesperson. The family spokesperson will receive and relay patient updates to other family members, friends and neighbors. Please leave that person's name and telephone number with staff. The CCC staff will contact the spokesperson about any serious change in your loved one's condition.

Visiting Your Loved Ones

Find our current Visitor Policy here.

We understand that illness or injury disrupts lives, and we are ready to help make your visit or hospital stay as pleasant as possible.

Visiting hours are flexible according to the patient's needs and condition. We ask that you limit visitors to significant family and friends, and only two at a time. Staff may ask visitors to leave based on patient need. For health and infectious disease reasons, we recommend that young children not visit patients in the CCC. Feel free to discuss any concerns that you may have regarding our recommendations with the CCC staff.

No balloons are allowed in the hospital, but cards and flowers are welcome. Please send clothing and valuables — including money and jewelry — home with family as there is limited storage space, and we cannot be responsible for lost or stolen items.

Thank you for respecting our guidelines. When you visit, please use the telephone on the wall in the visitor lounge to call ext. 2340 before entering the CCC.

Visitor Lounge, Family Meditation Room & Healing Garden

The visitor lounge, located just outside the CCC, has comfortable seating, television and a cell phone charging station and a kitchenette. No children are allowed visitation at this time.

The Meditation Room is located outside the doors of the CCC, off of the Visitor Lounge. It is a peaceful, welcoming space for private reflection or conversation.

The Healing Garden is located outside the hospital and is accessible through the CCC. There is seating available for quiet gatherings and conversation.

Taking Care of Yourself

We encourage you and other family members to spend some time at home. Family members need frequent breaks to alleviate stress. It is important to take care of your own needs, as well. Please provide staff with your contact information so we may contact you if needed.

Pastoral Care

Members from pastoral care provide interfaith spiritual care and are on call at all times for patients and families. You are not only a family member, but part of the healing team. Please ask the CCC staff to contact pastoral care, if desired.

Other Information

Dunkin' Donuts (coffee shop) is located on the first floor near the PIDC South Lobby Entrance.

Please do not bring food into the CCC as your loved one may be on a special diet or unable to have food.

ICU Staffing Ratios