Description
St Martha' s is an 8-bedded combined CCU/ICU with 5 telemetried patients. The unit consists of 5 rooms and 3 open bed spaces.
As far as possible coronary patients are nursed in the single rooms to allow for as much quietness as possible.
The unit provides in-patient accommodation for the acutely ill. The critical care facility proves efficient and economical since skilled nursing staff and expensive equipment are centralized. All cubicles allow for invasive and non-invasive monitoring (one of which has leaded protection suitable for pacing). Each bed-space has adequate space for activities of daily living, equipment and personal belongings, and also has access to a hand-basin. There is suspended trunking for all electrical services, medical gases and suction and an information technology outlet. Each bed space also has night lighting and examination lamps.
There is also a room provided for use by relatives with tea and coffee making facilities, and sleeping facilities.
Location
The unit is located on the first floor of the hospital. Turn right just past the entrance to St Clare’s ward and follow the signs.
Contact us
Direct line +353 90 9648204/+353 90 9648304
Fax +353 90 9648304
Function
(1) Providing intensive care facilities for patients from all specialities including surgical, medical, obs/gynae and paediatrics.
(2) Providing coronary care for patients admitted for the management of myocardial infarction, unstable angina, dysrhythmias, cardiac failure, elective cardioversion, insertion of temporary pacing wire, and undiagnosed chest pain.
(3) Provides telemetry facility for 5 in-house patients.
People involved
The day-to-day running of ICU/CCU requires input from all members of the multidisciplinary team providing a service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Nursing staffing levels require a 1: 1 nurse/patient ratio for ICU patients and a 1: 2 nurse/patient ratio for CCU patients (depending on individual patients level of dependency). Nursing staff include ICU and CCU trained staff. Nurses have been participating, in conjunction with G.U.H and N.U.I.G., Post Grad course in Critical Care on a continuous basis for the past 5 years. Care attendants also play a significant role in the provision of care.
Services provided
Emergency admissions for both ICU and CCU patients, and elective admissions in the case of cardio version or post-op depending on bed availability.
Access to services
All services within the hospital are easily accessed from ICU/CCU ie. Theatre, x-ray/scanning, endoscopy, A&E, wards, laboratory , pharmacy, stores, outpatients, canteen, shop, church, etc. Patients need to be transferred out for angiogram/angioplasty and all other specialist areas of care.
Guidelines
Policies and procedures are available on the unit regarding all aspects of care. All staff are aware of these and are involved in the continuous updating of same. Currently staff are in the process of completing a guideline for patients with epidural.
Projects and their status
A multidisciplinary committee has drawn up Guidelines on the care of patients presenting with possible acute coronary syndrome. It is anticipated that these guidelines will be put into use on the 20th of August 2004. An audit of patients presenting with chest pain will take place following implementation of the guidelines document.
