Cardiothoracic Surgery
Plymouth University Hospitals NHS Trust provides Adult Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery for the SouthWest areas of Devon and Cornwall.
The Southwest Cardiothoracic Unit is part of Plymouth University Hospitals NHS Trust. The adult tertiary service was established in November 1997, serving a population of 1.8 million covering the Devon and Cornwall peninsula. The SWCC delivers all forms of cardiothoracic services with the exception of paediatric cardiac surgery, paediatric thoracic surgery and transplantation.
The services are delivered in a modern state of the art building purpose built and opened in 2010. The wards provide accommodation either in four bedded single sex bays (with ensuite facilities) or single rooms with ensuite wet rooms. There is a purpose-built lodge for relatives to stay in within the hospital grounds with parking. There are 7 consultant cardiac surgeons, 5 consultant thoracic surgeons and 12 consultant cardiothoracic anaesthetists. They are supported by a specialist team of surgical care practitioners, nurses, physiotherapists, dieticians and other technical staff.
We provide peripheral clinics in the following hospitals:
- Treliske Hospital (Truro, Cornwall)
- Royal Devon and Exeter (Exeter)
- North Devon District Hospital (Barnstaple)
- Torbay and South Devon (Torbay)
The infection rates with MRSA and other bacteria are very low and we have a very close working relationship with the hospital infection control team who continuously monitor the wards The Centre mainly operates on people from Devon and Cornwall and the surrounding areas but welcomes enquiries from anyone further afield.
Access
There are drop off points at all entrances to the hospital with assistance for wheelchair users on request at reception. There is a lounge for all patients who are awaiting their transport on discharge with easy access and parking.
Visiting hours
All ward areas have visiting hours from 2.30pm to 8pm. The intensive care and high dependency unit have flexible visiting dependant on the needs of the patient.
