Cardiac intensive care unit awarded Centre of Excellence status

University Hospital Southampton’s (UHS) cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) has been awarded Centre of Excellence status, recognising its dedication to patient safety, quality of care and outcomes for patients following major heart surgery.

The accreditation was awarded by Cardiac Advanced Life Support (CALS) – the international body responsible for CALS training for cardiac surgical practitioners – highlighting the unit’s high quality training and rapid, effective response to post operative complications.

Centres of Excellence are recognised for delivering CALS training to a high standard, ensuring teams are equipped to manage post cardiac surgery emergencies safely and effectively.

UHS is home to one of only a small number of dedicated cardiac intensive care units in the UK and is consistently ranked among the country’s leading centres for intensive care services.

The purpose built 16 bed unit cares for around 1,400 patients each year, providing specialist one to one nursing and expert support from a team of cardiac specialists for patients across the south of England and the Channel Islands.

Patients in the unit have usually undergone major operations such as coronary artery bypass grafting, valve surgery or complex revision surgery, and often require invasive monitoring, advanced support therapies and highly specialised post-operative care, including multi-organ support when needed.

Eirini Manali, CICU education lead at UHS, said: “This recognition reflects the exceptional efforts of our CICU team - especially our teaching faculty - in establishing and delivering rigorous, evidence based training tailored to the unique needs of post cardiac surgery patients.

“For UHS and CICU, this isn’t just a plaque; it’s a testament to our shared values of working together, striving for excellence and supporting each other through teamwork.

“It shows that we invest in education, foster a strong, inclusive culture of learning and prioritise the highest standards of patient care. It’s a proud moment for CICU, UHS and for everyone involved.”

According to the latest National Adult Cardiac Surgery Audit (NACSA), published in 2024, more than 30,000 major heart operations are performed across the UK each year. While overall survival rates remain high, the audit highlights variation between centres, much of which relates to how effectively teams identify and respond to complications after surgery.

By ensuring the highest standard of training and education in post operative resuscitation, CALS Centres of Excellence help reduce this variation and support safer, more consistent outcomes for patients.

To achieve Centre of Excellence status, units must meet strict standards set by the international CALS governing bodies, including a fully accredited teaching faculty, compliant and well equipped training environments, evidence based protocols that reflect best practice, and robust ongoing quality assurance.

Ms Manali continued: “Being recognised as a CALS Centre of Excellence places us among a select group in the UK and internationally, underlining that UHS is leading the way in post cardiac surgery care and resuscitation – not just for Southampton, but for the wider region.

“To the entire team involved – this achievement is yours. Your commitment truly makes a difference. My special gratitude also goes to Mr Adrian Levine, CALS chief executive, for his guidance and trust throughout this journey.

“We are proud to lead the way for Southampton, for the region, and for the future of cardiac care at UHS.”