About Us
Welcome to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU).
The CCU is located on the third floor of the Hospital. The Unit contains nine beds and is staffed by cardiologists (doctors who are experts in the treatment of heart conditions) and a team of specially trained cardiology nurses. During their stay, patients may also be visited by members of the mutlidisciplinary team, such as the dietician, social worker, cardiac rehabilitation nurses, physiotherapist and pharamcist. There is a procedures room within the Unit, which is used for certain procedures such as the insertion of temporary pacemakers, TransOesphageal Echos and cardioversion procedures.
As an emergency unit, we admit patients anytime, day or night. Whenever possible, we try to give patients notice of their transfer to a medical ward to accommodate an emergency admission. The average length of stay in the Unit is three to five days, upon which time patients are transferred to the general medical ward, where the same doctors provide treatment. Through necessity, the Unit admits both male and female patients. Maintaining patient privacy while in the CCU is very important to us.
During their stay, we want patients to rest and relax as much as possible. We have a 'visitor-free' time between 1pm and 3pm, however visitors are welcome at other times. We encourage only two visitors for each patient at a time, but this may vary depending on circumstance.
While in the CCU, patients' heart rate and rhythm will be monitored at their bedside. A central monitor, which is located at the nurses' station, displays all this information on patients and a nurse observes this display 24 hours-a-day. The monitors have alarms that frequently sound so try not to be disturbed by this. Be assured that patients are closely monitored during their stay in the CCU. Most importantly, we ask patients to tell us straight away if they have any pain, discomfort, shortness of breath or feel unwell.
Useful items to bring with you:
- Wash kit, shaving gear and hand wipes.
- Towel, pyjamas/nightdress, pen/books/magazines, earplugs. Loose change for newspapers, etc.
- Please avoid bringing a large suitcase as there is limited storage space.
- Please note that personal DVD players/TVs are not permitted in the CCU.
- Please keep your personal belongings safe and do not bring any valuables with you.
- Mobile phones are not permitted in the Unit.
On admission, each patient will receive a Coronary Care Unit Patient Information Booklet and a patient satisfaction survey. We would be very grateful if patients could complete this survey as it helps us develop our quality service for future patients.
There are four Cardiology Consultants who provide care for patients admitted into the CCU.
They are:
- Dr Vincent Maher
- Dr David Moore
- Dr David Mulcahy
- Dr Deirdre Ward
Each cardiology consultant within the hospital has their own area of knowledge and works closely with their team of doctors, consisting of Registrars, Senior House Officers and Interns.
There are two Clinical Nurse Managers in CCU. They are:
- Ms Ashling Tierney, Clinical Nurse Manager I
- Ms Elaine Conaty, Clinical Nurse Manager II
All nurses in the CCU are specially trained to care for people with heart conditions. Patients are cared for by a named nurse each day. This helps us provide patients with the specific care needed to aid recovery.
Contact
To contact the Coronary Care Unit Nurses' Station, please telephone: (01) 414 4138 or (01) 414 4135
Coronary Care Uunit fax number: (01) 414 3052
Coronary Care Unit Administration tel: (01) 414 2770
Multidisciplinary Team
In order to maximise the care given to all our patients, the Coronary Care Unit is staffed by cardiologists (doctors who are experts in the treatment of heart conditions) and a team of specially trained cardiology nurses. During their stay, patients may also be visited by members of the mutlidisciplinary team, such as the dietician, social worker, cardiac rehabilitation nurses, physiotherapist and pharamcist.
There are four Consultant Cardiologists who provide care for patients admitted into the CCU.
- Dr David Mulcahy
- Dr David Moore
- Dr Vincent Maher
- Dr Deirdre Ward
Each Cardiology Consultant within the Hospital has their own area of knowledge and works closely with their team of doctors consisting of Registrars, Senior House Officers and Interns.
There are two Clinical Nurse Managers in CCU:
- Ms Ashling Tierney, Clinical Nurse Manager II
- Ms Elaine Conaty, Clinical Nurse Manager I
All nurses in the CCU are specially trained to care for people with heart conditions. Patients are cared for by a named nurse each day. This helps us to provide patients with the specific care needed to aid recovery.
