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Cardiology

Welcome to the Cardiac Assesment Unit

Patient Information Leaflet

Welcome to the Cardiac Assessment Unit

You have been transferred here from the Emergency Department to allow for further assessment and monitoring of your condition.

The Cardiac Assessment Unit (CAU) is a special assessment lounge for people who are experiencing irregular heartbeats or chest pain which could be related to the heart.

If you have any worries or concerns while you are in the CAU, please speak to a nurse looking after you.

Who will care for me?

Your care will be managed by a team of specialist heart nurses and overseen by a cardiologist (heart doctor). The team’s aim will be to discharge you promptly, if safe to do so.

What will happen now?

You are likely to have further heart tracings (ECGs), blood tests and a period of observation to include monitoring of your heart rate and rhythm.

You may receive some medication as tablets or an injection. Please tell the nurse if you experience any chest discomfort so we can ensure you are kept comfortable.

How long will I be here?

Every case is individual, so it is difficult to give an exact time. Blood tests for chest pain will need to be repeated at least three hours after arrival and will then need to be analysed.

If your symptoms continue or do not improve, the team will discuss this with you and arrange admission to a ward within 12 hours.

Why do I need a monitor?

The cardiac monitor will allow staff to observe your progress without the need to regularly disturb you whilst you rest.

Can someone stay with me?

Space on CAU is limited, so we would ask that only one person stays with you in the observation lounge. When undergoing treatment, we may ask for those with you to wait in the waiting area.

Can I leave the area?

We would encourage you to remain on the unit during your stay. Toilet facilities are available on the unit, along with refreshments and sandwiches which will be served at meal times.

Comments and feedback

The Cardiac Assessment Unit strives to provide a great experience. We appreciate your comments and feedback and ask that you complete a Friends and Family Test provided on the unit.

If you have any concerns or complaints not addressed by the team, please request to speak to the team’s lead nurse or matron.

Further information

The following organisations may be able to provide you with support and information if you wish to find out more about your condition.

British Heart Foundation
0300 330 3311
bhf.org.uk
Arrhythmia Alliance UK
01789 867 501
arrhythmiaalliance.org.uk

If you have any questions, or if there is anything you do not understand, please contact the Russells Hall Hospital switchboard number on 01384 456111 and ask for the relevant department who issued this leaflet. If you have any feedback on this patient information leaflet please email dgft.patient.information@nhs.net

This leaflet can be made available in large print, audio version and in other languages, please call 0800 073 0510.

Originator: Andrew Hunter. Date reviewed:August 2025. Review date: October 2028. Version: 2. DGH ref: DGH/PIL/02089.