Cardiac Care Unit
The Coronary Care Unit primarily serves patients who are pre- and post-angiography, patients awaiting coronary artery bypass surgery and patients who need pacemakers. We are a mixed Intensive Care/Cardiac Care Unit consisting of 10 CCU beds.
The Coronary Care Unit provides pacemaker services, echocardiograms, coronary CTs, transesophageal echocardiograms, cardiac rehabilitation and heart stabilization clinics. Please note we do not offer angiography procedures onsite.
Information for visitors
- We believe in patient and family centered care. This means we encourage family to be present as much as possible during the patient’s stay. This includes being a part of daily rounds with the care team.
- Visiting hours are not restricted, but this is based on the patient’s needs and we are sensitive to our patients’ needs for rest.
- If you have a large family, please designate a spokesperson to share patient information and updates.
Services
Some of the services our unit provides include:
- Cardiac monitor: a registered nurse monitors the patient’s heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels. The monitor can trigger an alarm inside the room and at the nursing station.
- Central lines: these are intravenous lines that may need to be placed in a patient’s veins in the neck or groin area. They are used to give fluids and medications.
- Diagnostic imaging: we work with the Diagnostic Imaging team to provide diagnostic tests when patients need them.
- Pacemaker insertions: when needed, we perform pacemaker insertions to help regulate a patient’s heart rhythms.
- Angiography: cardiac patients on our unit often require angiography. This requires the patient to be transported to an angiography suite at either the Royal Alexandra Hospital or the Mazankowski Heart Institute in Edmonton.
- Mechanical ventilation: supports breathing through a tube and machine. A Respiratory Therapist adjusts the settings as required.
Our team
Our multidisciplinary team is specially trained to support patient recovery. Our team consists of:
- Registered Nurse: responsible for bedside care. Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurses provide education and coordinate follow-up care.
- Cardiologist: a physician with special cardiac training responsible for coordinating patient care
- Nurse Practitioner: responsible for procedures, medication, tests and overall patient care
- Physiotherapist: responsible for patient mobilization and rehabilitation
- Dietician: ensures dietary needs are met throughout the hospital stay
- Pharmacist: ensure patients receive appropriate medication
- Registered Respiratory Therapist: responsible for breathing treatments, including breathing tubes and ventilators
- Social Worker: assists patients and families with financial and legal affairs
- Unit Clerk: manages unit flow and is often the first person you speak to on the phone
- Spiritual Care staff: provide emotional and spiritual support to the patient and loved ones
- Support staff: includes Unit Attendants and Housekeeping staff who restock supplies and help maintain a safe and clean environment
- Family: includes a patient’s relatives and friends
Contact
2nd Floor, Unit 24
Grey Nuns Community Hospital
1100 Youville Drive West
Edmonton, AB T6L 5X8
Phone: 780.735.7026