Why choose us

Centre of excellence

Southampton's Cardiac ICU is one of only a handful of dedicated cardiac intensive care units in the country.

It supports the work of the internationally renowned Wessex Cardiac Unit, which is involved in world-leading research and treatments, and which sees patients from all over the UK.

The unit is part of the Trust's key defining services – which means it is being developed into a global centre of excellence treating more and more patients from outside the Wessex area.

Staff expertise

Cardiac ICU's team of professional staff, including a vastly experienced senior nursing team, ensure that the unit delivers consistently good results when compared to other intensive care units.

Staff have considerable expertise in monitoring and caring for patients with unusual heart conditions, including adults with congenital heart defects.

They undergo rigourous specialist training in critical care techniques, as well as education in recent developments or changes to care methods. Staff are also involved in strategic planning and audit to improve their long-term care of patients.

The wider multi-disciplinary team also includes specialists with significant experience in dealing with very ill cardiac patients.

State-of-the-art facilities

The unit's facilities are second-to-none, with an on-site cardiac laboratory and blood storage unit speeding up treatment and diagnosis for patients. The proximity of the catheter labs and operating theatres mean that patients have access to the best care within minutes.

The unit's layout has been specially designed with seriously ill patients in mind, so nurses rarely have to leave the bedside to carry out their day-to-day tasks – and if they do, it is for a short amount of time.

This, together with the bright, spacious environment and welcoming waiting rooms, means that relatives can visit in comfort and safety.