As soon as your health condition allows, you can (return to) the hospital ward. It is not possible to predict in advance which room you will be assigned to. Please note that this room may not be the same as the one you occupied before the procedure.
Sometimes, a stay in an “intermediate care unit” (medium care unit) is required before you can move to the regular hospital ward.
Care services
Although continuous monitoring is no longer required in your room, your vital signs will be checked regularly, and the necessary examinations will be carried out to closely monitor your medical condition.
Daily visit from the ward doctor
The ward doctor is a surgical trainee responsible for your daily medical care under the supervision of the heart surgeon. They will visit you daily to assess your medical condition, explain results, and answer any questions you may have. Multiple ward doctors may care for you during your stay.
Daily care by nurses and healthcare assistants
Several nurses and healthcare assistants will provide daily care for you and your fellow patient. Nurses are responsible for both personal care (e.g. hygiene) and technical tasks (e.g. wound care, administering medication, taking blood samples, placing an IV). Healthcare assistants are trained to perform nursing support tasks (e.g. assisting with medication and meals, hygiene care, measuring vital signs).
ECG monitoring and technical examinations
Once on the ward, your heart rhythm will continue to be monitored temporarily via telemetry. Regular checks of your blood, heart, and lung condition will be performed using blood tests, ECGs, echocardiograms, and X-rays. We strive to keep the number of examinations to a minimum.
Breathing and movement exercises with the physiotherapist
Physiotherapy is a crucial part of your recovery. After heart surgery, the focus is twofold: improving your breathing to prevent respiratory complications (e.g., pneumonia) and initiating movement exercises and physical training to regain independence before returning home.
You will continue these exercises with a physiotherapist near you or at home. In the longer term, you can start outpatient cardiac rehabilitation at a recognised rehabilitation centre.
Visiting
Please consult the most up-to-date visiting information on the hospitalisation ward’s information page.