Ward 5a
You will spend time in ward 5a of the Royal Victoria Hospital before and after your heart surgery. This ward has 38 beds for cardiothoracic surgery, 21 of which are for cardiac surgery.
You may come into ward 5a the night before your heart surgery and then return during your recovery when the staff will continue to look after you. Sometimes patients are brought in to hospital on the same day as their surgery through the Day of Surgery Admissions unit (DoSA).
Visiting times on ward 5a are:
- 3pm to 4 pm
- 6pm to 7.30pm
Operating theatres
We currently have three cardiac surgery operating theatres, which are located in the Victorian wing of the Royal Victoria Hospital.
Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit (CSICU)
The Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit is an 11 bed unit located in the Victorian wing of the Royal Victoria Hospital. Most cardiac surgery patients will spend a short time in CSICU after their operation before returning to ward 5a.
In the Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit, you will be cared for by nurses, doctors, physiotherapists and other team members. We also have a newly refurbished relatives room, which is a relaxing and quiet place to take a break.
High Dependency Unit (HDU)
The High Dependency Unit is an eight bed unit located beside the Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit. The HDU is for patients who no longer need a ventilator to help with their breathing but are not yet ready to return to the ward.