We are an 8-bedded unit established since 1969 on the 1st floor of phase II, adjacent to Cardiac High Dependency Unit, next to Ward 3. The annual throughput of patients is 700-800 per year. There are eight consultant cardiologists, of whom five undertake interventional work. Dr Raj Khattar has responsibility for CCU.

We are an interventionalist coronary care unit situated in the Paris Heart centre where we offer intensive treatment to acutely sick cardiac patients.

The unit serves the accident and emergency department,Cardiology and medical wards.we also are a tertiary referral centre receiving patients from across the North West and Wales.

The type of patients we care for include:

• Acute myocardial infarction, ACS
• Heart failure
• Cardiogenic shock
• Arrhythmia management
• Complicated pre/post percutaneous coronary interventions
• Post pacing procedures including bivents and ICD's
• Valvular heart disease
• Cardiomyopathies
• unstable patients awaiting heart surgery.

Ward Features

CCU is an 8 bedded unit where patients are nursed in individual rooms. There is full monitoring facilities at each bed using Space Lab technology which can provide invasive and non invasive monitoring. The staff - patient ratio is 1 nurse to 2 patients.

The nurses on Coronary care are highly skilled in acute cardiology nursing and can offer a range of services including:ECG monitoring,Swan ganz monitoring and cardiac output studies,Intra-aortic balloon pumps, CPAP, Telemetry, Temporary pacing wires,arterial lines, Cardiac rehabilitation and psychological support.

1 ward manager
6 junior sisters/charge nurses
13 Band 5 nurses
2 Assistant practitioners
3 Clinical Support Workers

Patient Information

What happens on arrival on the ward :
On admission to the ward the patient will be welcomed by a CCU nurse who will help settle the patient into the bed area. After receiving a handover form the nurse will then assess the patient and discuss the plan of care with the patient and their family.

Typical Stay on this ward :
Between 24 and 72 hours. However if the recovery is slower or dependency of the patient is greater it can be longer.

During stay what routinely happens?
Every patients plan of care is individual however they can expect daily ECG's,Daily blood tests,regular blood pressure monitoring and an echo scan of their heart. Each patient will be reviewed daily by a Consultant cardiologist or their specialist registrar.

Where do patients go after stay on this ward:
Patients are usually discharged to ward 6 which is a cardiology step down ward or back to the hospital they were admitted from.

Visitor Information

Patients rest time is from 1pm-2pm

Visiting hours :

• 11am-1pm and 2pm-8pm unless prior arrangement made with the nurse in charge.
  
• Only 2 visitors per bed.
  
• We discourage young children from visiting.

Do's & Don'ts
Patients are advised not to bring large amounts of personal belongings as space is limited. Do bring toiletries. No flowers please. Please designate a member of family to phone the ward for an update and disseminate the information out.

Relative Facilities
There is accommodation available for relatives in Cobbett house arranged through the nurse in charge.

Staff Information

CCU is a friendly warm and dynamic place to work where we always put the patients needs first. We offer opportunities to enhance staffs skills and knowledge.

Each shift there is a sister in charge or a senior nurse and 2 nurses plus an assistant practitioner and a support worker.

Staff development is extremely important to us that is why we have our own personal staff development sister who arranges courses. the unit fully supports learning with funding and study leave.

Opportunities : There will hopefully be an opportunity to rotate to other areas within cardiology. we also have close links with other specialist nurses within cardiology.