Queen's unveiling one-stop cardiac-care unit

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Health Writer

A $13 million comprehensive cardiac-care unit is being dedicated today at the Queen's Medical Center that will keep patients in the same room from admission to discharge, rather than transferring most heart patients four times during their hospital stay.

Nurse manager Sharon Yamauchi said the 40-room unit provides larger rooms, a less-institutional feel and decentralized nurses stations and lounge areas for family members, in keeping with the hospital's emphasis on caring for people with heart disease.

The unit was designed in response to patient concerns about lack of privacy. "Every room is a private room," Yamauchi said. "That is the No. 1 thing that patients ask about."

Waiting areas and a family lounge will give families a place to rest and even check their e-mail. "They can be close, but not have to be in the room at all times," Yamauchi said. She noted it is the first comprehensive cardiac unit of its kind in the state.

She said the hospital is responding to a growing need for awareness about cardiac risks and treatment. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in Hawai'i and the nation, and a leading cause of death among men.

The unit will accept patients beginning Tuesday, she said.

Yamauchi said the new unit also offers technology to make things easier for staff. "Each nurse has a work station right outside her patients' rooms."

Specialty air beds can fold into a chair and give a little boost to help patients up.

Under the old system, Queen's patients could end up in four specialty areas. Now they can remain in the cardiac unit for most of their stay except when in surgery.

Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2429.