Cardiac Telemetry Unit
The Next Step after Intensive Care
The Telemetry Unit at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center is located on A6 Central on the Cincinnati Children's Burnet Campus, and is a 17-bed unit designed to provide continuous, 24-hour monitoring care of pediatric heart patients. Many of these patients are recovering from heart surgery performed at the Heart Institute. As in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU), the staff on A6 Central is highly skilled in the care of children with complex cardiac needs. A6 Central averages approximately 5,000 patient days annually.
Close Monitoring
Sophisticated monitors on the telemetry unit measure specific body functions, such as heart rate and rhythm, rate of breathing, blood pressure, and level of oxygen in the blood. The monitors send the data immediately to a central monitor and to pagers carried by all nursing personnel, who are trained specifically to watch for any changes or signs of distress, often before obvious physical symptoms occur. In some cases, lifesaving treatment can be initiated based on the information from the monitors. For example, if a child’s heart is beating irregularly or is at risk for an irregular heartbeat, staff can keep a close watch and if any problems occur, treatment can be given swiftly.
Family Involvement
Parents are encouraged to stay with their child while they progress toward discharge on the telemetry unit. Advanced practice nurses, care managers and other health care professionals, along with the physicians and nurses providing direct care, work with the families to design a plan of care which will prepare them to safely and confidently care for their child at home. Siblings of patients on the telemetry unit are also an important part of the recovery process, and are welcome except during times when infection risks are at the highest point (typically during the winter). Child life therapists work with patients and families to promote play and offer distraction, in the patient’s room or in one of the adjacent play and recreation rooms.
Contact the Heart Institute at Cincinnati Children's
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact the Heart Institute at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
