Nurse Unit Manager - Princess Marufu
Charge Nurse - Nicola Caird
Clinical Charge Nurses - Shymol Isac; Claudia Muavae

Discharge Nurse Specialists - Lyn Yangot-Idio; Sining Tang
Thoracic Nurse Specialist - Lyn Yangot-Idio; Bernie Lightbourne

Referral

Cardiac surgery

Referral pathways
Surgery is described as ‘elective’ or ‘emergency’.
- Elective surgery is where someone is on a waiting list and their admission to hospital is planned. These people are admitted to hospital the day before their operation.
- With emergency surgery people are admitted to hospital unexpectedly. They will usually wait in hospital on a Cardiology or other ward before their operation.

My cardiologist has referred me for cardiac surgery. What happens next?
If your cardiologist thinks you may need cardiac surgery, they will present your case at a meeting called the Cardiosurgical Conference. At this conference, cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, anaesthetists and other specialists will discuss your condition and review your test results. Together they will agree on the best treatment for you. Your Cardiologist will then discuss the options and recommendations with you and your whānau, and work together on an agreed treatment plan. If surgery is the agreed treatment option, your name will be added to the cardiac surgery waiting list. 

Once you are placed on the waiting list, people who live in the Auckland area are invited to attend the preadmission clinic. For people who live in Northland, this appointment is held over the telephone.

Cardiac surgery preadmission clinic
At this appointment, you and your whānau will meet with a nurse specialist and an anaesthetist. An anaesthetist is a doctor who helps put you to sleep and stops you from feeling pain during surgery. We will talk about your surgery and what to expect before, during and after. This is a good opportunity to ask questions so that you and your whānau feel prepared. Please talk to us about anything that you think might make it difficult for you to have your surgery, for example financial concerns, childcare or elderly care responsibilities. 

How long will I wait for cardiac surgery?
How long someone waits for surgery depends on their heart condition, their symptoms or how sick they are, and how many other people are waiting. The time can vary from weeks to months. 
When you are nearing the top of the waitlist, our booking team will contact you to set a date for your surgery that works for you and your whānau. 

What do I need to know while waiting for surgery?
While you are waiting for surgery you stay under the care of your Cardiology team and your GP. This can include appointments and phone calls by nurse specialists to monitor for any changes in your condition. 
- If you think your symptoms are worsening while you are waiting for surgery, it is important to see your GP as soon as possible. If you become unwell with chest pain, breathlessness or your angina plan is no longer effective, you should attend the emergency department (ED). 

Patients travelling from outside of Auckland
If you are travelling from outside of Auckland for surgery, you may be eligible for support through the National Travel Assistance (NTA) Scheme. This funding helps with travel and accommodation for you/your whānau/support person - please ask our team to check if you meet the criteria.

How long will I be in hospital after cardiac surgery?
After surgery, most people will spend one night in the intensive care unit (CVICU), then will be moved to our cardiothoracic surgical ward, Ward 42. The average stay in hospital after heart surgery is 5 -7 days but can be longer. Some patients might be discharged home earlier with our Hospital in the Home program. This program has a team of health professionals who will provide the care you need and support you to recover safely at home instead. 

What can I expect during recovery
Everyone is slightly different in their recovery after cardiac surgery. A rough guide would be:

• It will take 12 weeks for your breastbone to fully heal after cardiac surgery. It is important to be careful with any lifting, twisting and stretching movements during this time as this can affect healing. The nurses and physiotherapists will discuss this in detail with you after your surgery.
• You can start a light exercise program straight after surgery, but will not be able to do upper body weighted exercises until after 3 months. 
• You may need to take significant time off work. If your job is very physical, it is best to take about take 12-weeks off. If your work is less physical, for example office work, you might start going back to work after 6-weeks. If your work involves driving, for example taxi driving, you will need to take 12 weeks off (a legal requirement). Most people will not be able to drive for at least 4 weeks after surgery. 

Eligibility for public health services apply

We welcome visitors between 8am - 8pm, however, we do have a rest period between 1pm - 3pm

www.adhb.health.nz/our-services/cardiovascular/