Cardiac Sciences
Coronary Care Unit
The Coronary Care Unit (CCU) specializes in the care of patients with heart attacks, unstable angina, cardiac dysrhythmia and various other cardiac conditions that require continuous monitoring and treatment.
We encourage family to be present as much as possible and join in daily rounds with the care team. Visiting hours are not restricted, however this is based on patients’ individual needs.
Services the CCU provides include:
- Cardiac monitoring: 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 large intravenous lines that may need to be placed in a patient’s veins in the neck or groin to deliver fluids and medications.
- Arterial lines: a thin catheter inserted into an artery. It is used to monitor blood pressure directly, in real-time measurement and to obtain blood samples.
- Mechanical ventilation: may be required to support breathing through an oral tube and machine. A Respiratory Therapist assess patients and adjusts settings as required.
- Diagnostic Imaging and Laboratory services: we work with these departments to provide diagnostic tests when patients need them.
- Angiography: patients who require cardiac angiography will be transported to the Royal Alexandra Hospital or the Mazankowski Heart Institute for the procedure, then back to the MCH CCU.
- Pacemaker insertion: temporary pacemakers may be required and are inserted at the bedside. If a permanent pacemaker is required, the patient will be transported to the Grey Nuns Community Hospital or the Royal Alexandra Hospital for the procedure and transported back to the MCH CCU.
- Code Blue Team: our team has specialized training to respond to patients throughout the hospital who need immediate life-saving measures due to cardiac arrest or respiratory crisis.
Cardiac Specialty Clinic
The Cardiac Specialty clinic specializes in cardiac stress testing, pacemaker follow-up, transesophageal echocardiograms and cardiac stabilization.
ECG Department
The ECG department provides ECGs and Holter monitoring.
Our team
Our multidisciplinary team is specially trained to support patient healing to optimum health. Our team consists of:
- Registered Nurse: responsible for assessment and interventions with the patient
- Clinical Health Educator: provides one-on-one education for patients and families and coordinates follow-up care
- Cardiologist: physician with special cardiac training responsible for coordinating patient care
- Nurse Practitioner: responsible for procedures, medications, tests and overall patient care
- Dietician: ensures dietary needs are met during the hospital stay and teaches patients and families about healthy dietary choices
- Pharmacist: ensures patients receive appropriate medications and provides one-on-one education about the use and effects of medications
- Registered Respiratory Therapist: responsible for assessment and interventions with the patient, including mechanical ventilations as needed
- Social Worker: assists patients and families with any social needs
- Unit Clerk: manages unit flow and is often the first person to greet people in person or on the phone
- Spiritual Care: provides emotional and spiritual support to the patient and family
- Support Staff: help maintain a safe and clean environment
- Family: includes a patient’s relatives and friends
Contact
3rd Floor, Coronary Care Unit
Misericordia Community Hospital
16940-87 Avenue
Edmonton Alberta T5R 4H5
Phone: 780.735.2727