Patient Care Services

Back to Cardiovascular Services Table of Contents

Patient-Centered Cardiology Unit
Heart attack patients brought to Greenwich Hospital's Emergency Department are often admitted to the 10-bed medical and surgical intensive care unit (MSICU). This unit serves patients with acute medical conditions who require critical care, specialized nursing and advanced technology. At the unit, bedside equipment provides a continuous EKG and monitors other vital signs.

Nurses on the unit provide a reassuring and calming presence, knowing their patients and family members are going through a frightening experience. The MSICU observes a patient/family centered visiting policy that is responsive to the needs of family members and patients. The staff tries to answer questions in a helpful, honest manner.

After 24 to 48 hours, depending on the patient's condition, patients are often transferred to a 14-bed intermediate care unit. This unit treats patients with cardiac conditions who, although not in need of intensive care, require an intermediate level of care that includes specialized monitoring, nursing and resources. The unit features special telemetry cardiac monitoring devices for heart rhythms, plus specially trained registered nurses and cardiac monitor technicians.

In both units, care is centered around the patients and families in an environment that focuses on service excellence.

The team of professionals overseeing each patient's care includes an intensivist, a physician who is specially trained in the care of critically ill patients, and other medical personnel; nurses with advanced training; dietitians to provide nutrition information; pharmacists to explain heart medications; a nursing case manager to facilitate hospital care; a social work case manager to assess home care and emotional needs upon discharge; and spiritual care professionals. In addition, the integrative medicine and palliative care teams get involved as needed. Patients and family members also learn about cardiac rehabilitation, a key component toward recovery.