Critical Care & ICU
MASH's Critical Care department is led by Dr Merrin Hicks (FANZCVS) — a registered specialist in emergency and critical care. The ICU provides intensive monitoring and treatment for our most critically ill inpatients: those admitted through our emergency department, medicine department, or recovering from complex surgery who require round-the-clock specialist-level oversight.
This is not a walk-in service — patients are admitted to the ICU directly from our Emergency, Internal Medicine or Surgery departments.
What We Manage
Our critical care team manages patients with severe or life-threatening conditions, including:
Post-operative patients following complex surgery
Respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation
Cardiovascular instability
and shock
Sepsis and systemic inflammatory disease
Multi-organ
dysfunction
Neurological
emergencies
High-dependency patients requiring continuous monitoring
Our Capabilities
Post-operative patients following complex surgery
Continuous patient monitoring (blood pressure, ECG, pulse oximetry, capnography)
Defibrillation and
resuscitation equipment
On-site advanced imaging (CT, ultrasound, radiography)
In-house laboratory for rapid results
High-dependency nursing care, 24 hours a day
Staffing
The ICU is led by Dr Merrin Hicks (FANZCVS) — a registered specialist in emergency and critical care.
Dr Rachel Peacock (DACVECC) is MASH's second ECC specialist, supporting this service.
The ICU is staffed around the clock. When our critical care specialists are not on shift, the ICU continues to be managed by our experienced emergency clinical team.
Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists – Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care; Fellow of the Advance Higher Education Academy (UK)
Registered Specialist in Emergency and Critical Care
A graduate of the University of Sydney, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Merrin has completed residency training Murdoch University and obtained Master’s Degree from the University of Melbourne. In 2012, Merrin passed Fellowship examinations in emergency and critical care in 2012 to become a registered specialist in emergency and critical care the same year.
Merrin has undertaken advanced surgical training in the USA, taught at various Universities nationally and internationally, and published a range of research papers. In 2024 she completed a post-graduate certificate in Veterinary Education (University of London) and obtained FHEA status. Merrin has been a founding director of several specialist and emergency hospitals, and has a strong interest in business development, teaching, mentoring, and all aspects of emergency and critical care medicine.
Merrin has acted as a Fellowship Examiner for the ANZCVS for several years, overseeing the examination of specialist candidates; as well as sessional lecturing with Improve International and the Centre of Veterinary Education.
Merrin joined MASH on a part-time basis in 2024. In her spare time, Merrin enjoys spending time on her farm with her young family, as well as their horses, ponies, sheep, chickens, dogs and miniature pigs.
Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care
Registered Australian Specialist in Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care
Rachel is a University of Melbourne graduate and a career emergency and critical care (ECC) veterinarian with over 20 years’ experience. Early in her ECC career Rachel became a Member (by examination) of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in ECC, completed a Masters degree and a Diploma of Practice Management.
Wanting to develop her clinical skills to the highest level she completed an ECC residency at Murdoch University, with placements at the University of California Davis and Tufts University. Rachel became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care in 2013. While completing her residency, Rachel was awarded a second Masters degree for her toxicology research. Rachel has completed the University of California, Davis, haemodialysis academy and is a Certified Hospice and Palliative Care practitioner.
Across her career, Rachel has held a variety of local and national leadership roles alongside her clinical practice. She has achieved a number of ‘firsts’ in the industry including developing an industry leading 2 year ECC Graduate Development Program, development of a modular Foundations in Emergency Practice induction course for new emergency veterinarians across a corporate network, the first ACVECC residency in private practice in Australia and was a co-founder of Australia’s first animal poisons information service; the Australian Animal Poisons Helpline/Centre.
Rachel enjoys all aspects of ECC practice, in particular toxicology, sepsis, endocrine emergencies, heart failure and acute kidney injury. Over her years as an ECC specialist she has developed a passion for end-of-life care and communication. Rachel is always willing to accept referral cases and assist pet parents presenting their pets for emergency care.
If you have a critically ill patient who requires transfer to a specialist ICU, please call us on 1800 838 787 to discuss the case before transfer.
We are available to advise on stabilisation and transfer preparation.
Advanced Diagnostics & Support
Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Our Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is equipped with advanced monitoring equipment and specialized facilities to provide round-the-clock care for critically ill or injured animals. Our ICU team consists of experienced veterinarians and trained technicians who are proficient in managing complex medical conditions. With continuous monitoring, oxygen therapy, pain management, and advanced nursing care, we ensure the best possible outcomes for your pet during their stay in the ICU.
Ventilators
In critical cases where respiratory support is necessary, we have state-of-the-art ventilators to provide assisted breathing. Our team is experienced in managing pets requiring ventilation and can carefully tailor the treatment to the specific needs of each individual animal. The availability of ventilators allows us to provide vital support to patients with severe respiratory distress and improve their chances of recovery.
We have a skilled surgical team available around the clock to perform precise surgical procedures for life-threatening conditions requiring immediate intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions About Critical Care
Leading the Way in Veterinary Excellence
When your pet needs more than a routine visit, trust Melbourne’s leading specialist surgeons and emergency team. As a premier multi-disciplinary specialist hospital, we provide world-class orthopaedic, soft tissue, and neurosurgery with the compassion your family deserves.
24-Hour Emergency Vet Services
MASH provides 24/7 emergency veterinary care for accidents and sudden illnesses, with a highly skilled team ready to provide immediate, critical support whenever you need it.
Compassionate and Personalized Care
MASH is committed to personalized veterinary medicine, combining tailored treatment plans with a collaborative approach that keeps you informed at every stage of your pet’s care.
Specialist Small Animal Hospital
As a leading specialist hospital, MASH combines the expertise of board-certified veterinarians with cutting-edge technology to deliver the highest standard of advanced clinical care.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Our state-of-the-art hospital features advanced imaging, surgical suites, and an in-house laboratory, ensuring fast, accurate diagnosis and the highest standards of veterinary care.
