Cardiothoracic Critical Care

Cardiothoracic Critical Care Unit consists of two 8 bedded pods, which deliver care to level two and three patients. The unit cares for patients who have had extensive elective surgery or emergency cardiac surgery and require extensive monitoring. Typical procedures include coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG), minimally invasive procedures including MIDCAB, heart valve surgery and chest trauma procedures including rib fixation.

The unit is also a regional thoracic centre where minimally invasive keyhole thoracic surgery is carried out, including lobectomies, segmentectomies and wedge resections and extensive invasive surgery including pneumonectomies.

A dedicated Practice Development Team help to support student nurses and registered nurses develop their competencies and bespoke training sessions are often arranged for staff.

Specialist learning opportunities include:

Inotrope therapy
CVVHDF
Invasive and Non invasive respiratory support
Intra-aortic balloon pump support
ANACONDA sedation

The unit works with a large multidisciplinary team which include cardiothoracic consultants, highly trained specialised pharmacists and physiotherapists. Both students and registered nurses who join the team will receive a warm welcome and support from all of our staff