Download Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)

Patient Care Path
Myocardial Infarction
(Heart Attack)
Thank you for choosing Greenslopes Private Hospital for your hospitalisation.
We appreciate that hospitalisation can be a stressful experience. The staff caring for you have developed this
information so that you will know what you can expect during your stay.
This is however, only a guide and your progress may vary from this outline.
Please read this information and if you have any questions or concerns at any time, please discuss these with your
Nurse or Doctor.
Expected Length of Hospital Stay: Up to 5 nights
Our Expectations
1.You will be provided with written information about your rights and responsibilities whilst in our care at
Greenslopes Private Hospital
2.If you have any concerns about your ability to cope at home after your hospitalisation, please discuss this with
your Nurse
• Please note, community services are not always readily available and not all patients are eligible for funded services
3.Prior to discharge you will understand any required activity limitations
Your Expectations
On Arrival To Hospital
• You will be taken to the Coronary Care Unit where a Nurse will complete a medical history
• Your temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen level and weight will be checked
• You may have blood tests, heart tracing and other tests done, as requested by your Doctor
• If you take regular medication, you will continue to do so throughout your stay unless otherwise instructed
by your Doctor
• Oxygen will be applied to help your breathing and keep you feeling more comfortable
• You will have an intravenous drip inserted into your arm
• Your Doctor will visit you daily to monitor your progress. They may change your medication requirements,
depending on your test results and progress
• If you have any concerns about how you will manage at home, please discuss this with your Nurse. You may be
referred to the Care Coordinator who can assess your home care needs and arrange services if required
If you have any questions about your hospitalisation please ask your Nurse or Doctor
Each Day in Hospital
• Report any chest pain to the Nurses immediately
• Your Doctor will visit you daily to monitor your progress and may change your medication, depending on your
test results and progress
• You will be required to have regular blood tests, heart tracings and any other tests as requested by your doctor
• Wires attached to your chest will monitor your heart rhythm
• The Healthy Choices menu will guide you with appropriate dietary lifestyle changes
• A Physiotherapist may meet with you, to assess your mobility and provide you with a walking aid, if required
• Nursing staff will assist you with your hygiene needs as required
Prior to Discharge
• Your Doctor will discuss your condition and any future treatment plans
• Nursing staff will assist you with your care as required
• Discharge medications will be dispensed by the Pharmacist, if required
• A member of the Cardiac Rehabilitation team will visit you. They will discuss your condition and future treatment
and in particular lifestyle choices available to you to reduce your risk of further cardiac problems. The Cardiac
Rehabilitation team also provide information helpful to your recovery. The GPH booklet, Guide to Recovery after
Heart Treatment will be provided
• You may be referred to a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program such as the one offered by Greenslopes Private Hospital,
if appropriate
Discharge Day
• You will be supplied with discharge information specific to your condition
• You will be advised on an appropriate range of food to eat
• If you have a drip in your arm it will be removed before you go home
• A follow-up appointment will be explained to you
• Discharge time is 10am. Please arrange for someone to collect you by this time
Discharge Advice
You Should
Refer to theGPH booklet, ‘Guide to Recovery after Heart Treatment for specific information regarding your
condition on discharge
Call 000 for an ambulance immediately if angina symptoms last longer than 15 minutes, or you become
very short of breath
We thank you for the opportunity to care for you
PI7015-I (06/15)
Greenslopes Private Hospital
Newdegate Street
Greenslopes QLD 4120
ph: 07 3394 7111 – fax: 07 3394 7322
www.greenslopesprivate.com.au