Nurse changing IV bag

Critical Care

Advanced care for life-threatening illnesses and injuries

In Your Time of Greatest Need, Our Critical Care Team Is by Your Side

The Samuel S. Dennis III & Lillian W. Dennis Critical Care Center (CCC) at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Plymouth is a 14-bed unit. It primarily cares for medical surgical intensive care patients. This state-of-the-art unit combines advanced technology with a compassionate team approach.

Act Fast, Call 911

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have a life-threatening illness or injury. 

Information for Patients and Families 


At the CCC, we strive to deliver the highest standards of medical care to our patients. We also welcome the comforting presence and support of family and friends during a loved one’s stay. We recognize this can be an important part of one’s healing process. To make your visit easier, we’ve provided answers to commonly asked questions. 
Is there a safe place for valuables?

We ask that you send clothing and valuables, including money and jewelry, home with family members. We have limited storage space and are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

When can I visit?

You can learn about hospital visiting hours and policies here.

We understand that illness and injury disrupt lives. We work to make your loved one’s stay and your visit as easy and as pleasant as possible.

Visiting hours in the Critical Care Center (CCC) are flexible according to the patient’s condition and needs. Two visitors are allowed to be with a patient at any one time. We ask that they be limited to immediate family and friends. For health reasons, we recommend that young children not visit the CCC. When you visit, please use the telephone on the wall in the visitor lounge to call extension 2340 before entering the Critical Care Center.

What’s the best way to communicate with CCC staff about my loved one?

We recommend that you designate one person to be a family spokesperson. This person can receive updates on your loved one's condition and relay it to other family members, friends and neighbors. Please leave your spokesperson's name and phone number with staff. We will inform the spokesperson about any significant change in your loved one's condition.

May patients receive flowers?

Flowers and cards are welcome in the Critical Care Center. However, the hospital does not allow balloons.

May I bring food into the Critical Care Center?

We ask that you do not bring food into the Critical Care Center. Your loved one may be on a special diet or unable to have food.

For your personal convenience, there is a Dunkin’ Donuts on the first floor near the PIDC South lobby entrance.

Are pastoral care providers available?

Our pastoral care team provides interfaith spiritual care. Team members are on call at all times for patients and their families. Family members are an important part of the healing team. Our staff will be happy to contact pastoral care for you.

Do you have advice for family members?

We encourage you and other family members to spend some time at home. Frequent breaks will help alleviate stress. Remember, it's important to take care of your own needs as well as your loved one's. We ask only that you provide us with your contact information so we may reach you, if necessary.

At the hospital, we encourage you to make use of several areas created for your comfort and convenience:

  • The Visitor Lounge is just outside the Critical Care Center (CCC). It has comfortable seating, a television, a kitchenette and a cell phone charging station.  
  • Our Meditation Room is located outside the doors of the CCC, off from the Visitor Lounge. It’s a peaceful welcoming space for private reflection or conversation.  
  • Our Healing Garden is outside the hospital. It’s accessible through the Critical Care Center and offers seating for quiet gatherings and conversation.

Our Doctors

Highly trained, experienced doctors direct patient care in the Critical Care Center.

 Brian O'Gara MD
Brian O'Gara, MD Specialty Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine
 Arthi Thangaraj MD
Arthi Thangaraj, MD Specialty Critical Care Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease
 Daniel Walsh MD
Daniel Walsh, MD Director Specialty Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine
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Lisa Bergendahl, MSHM, BSN, CCRN Director Specialty Critical Care, Respiratory Therapy