Table 9.2

Requirements for a unit doing 2000 open heart operations per year

CCSOs, cardiac clinical scientific officers; HDU, high dependency unit; ITU, intensive therapy unit; SHOs, senior house officers; SpRs, specialist registrars.

  • 8 or more surgeons

  • 10 cardiac anaesthetists

  • 10 perfusionists (6 trained, 4 trainee)

  • 8 cardiac surgical SpRs

  • 8 SHOs

  • 2 surgeon assistants

  • 3–4 theatres

  • 20 ITU beds—flexible use

  • 10 or more HDU beds—flexible use

  • Adequate number of nurses

  • Adequate number of technicians (CCSOs). One per operating theatre and holiday cover and others to provide necessary ECG services.