We have celebrated the first anniversary of our enhanced recovery unit (ERU), a dedicated nurse-led unit for the recovery of patients following cardiac surgery.
Prior to the ERU opening, elective (planned) operations were sometimes cancelled due to emergency surgery or bed space in critical care.
However, by allowing dedicated beds for cardiac surgery patients within critical care, the ERU has improved patient flow and led to fewer cancelled operations, thereby reducing waiting times for our patients and improving their experience.
Our nurse-led ERU team with dedicated lead surgeon, Jason Ali, and intensivist, Mike Hoy
During the past year, 1,483 patients have been cared for in the ERU and cardiac and pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) surgery procedures have increased by 18%.
In addition, waiting times for patients have improved, with 65% of cardiac patients currently treated within 18 weeks of their referral. This was down at 48% before the ERU opened.
The ERU is intended for people who are predicted to be in critical care for fewer than 48 hours following their operation, before being discharged to the surgical ward. Of the 1,483 patients who have been cared for in the ERU over the past year, 86% were discharged within 48 hours. More than half (55%), were actually discharged to the ward within 24 hours.
One patient who’s benefited is Martin from Cambridge who spent 20 hours in the ERU following surgery. He said: “I’m very thankful for the amazing team of surgeons and nurses led by Dr Ali.”
Martin was transferred to the ward the day after his surgery and went home after six days. He described the process as going ‘pretty well, with no long waits’ and added: “All the staff did their best and made everything as manageable as possible, and I can’t wait to do some gardening soon.”
The ERU is part of the critical care area led by matron Erin Russell. ERU sisters Jonee Doronila and Michelle Barfoot run the unit with support from dedicated lead surgeon, Jason Ali, and intensivist, Mike Hoy, and are rightly proud of the team’s achievements.
Reflecting on the past 12 months, Erin said: “On its anniversary, the ERU buzzes with activity and is testament to a year of growth and commitment to care.
“The vision of this nurse-led unit was to enhance patient throughput and staff experience, whilst continuing to provide high standards of quality care. It’s great to see that through excellence and collaboration we’ve managed to achieve this and more.”
Jonee said: “ERU is a product of efficient collaboration among nursing, medical, allied health professionals and administrative staff at Royal Papworth who are determined and dedicated to improving patient outcomes and experience.”
Michelle added: “What an achievement, in just a year, nearly 1,500 patients have been treated in ERU. We’ve had the pleasure of being part of the patient's journey, each one of them has had their own individual experience.”