Abstract
Following the development of critical care services generally, and the publication of the recent NCEPOD report ‘Coronary artery bypass grafts – the heart of the matter’ specifically, a questionnaire survey was conducted into manpower services available for post-operative cardiac intensive care patients across the United Kingdom (UK). A total of 31 questionnaires were returned from the 39 units contacted (a response rate of 79%). Cardiac critical care units (CICU) vary in capacity from 7–36 beds and support a cardiac workload varying from 550–2,100 cases per annum. Most units (68%) admit some non-cardiac patients. Consultant cardiac anaesthetists are the most senior physicians managing CICU patients in 94% of units. Cardiac surgeons were reported to have clinical input only to their own patients in 90% of units, and no surgeon had sessional commitment to the CICU. Twelve units (38%) have access to an outreach service and only seven (23%) have recognition for training with the Intercollegiate Board for Training in Intensive Care Medicine (IBTICM). Cardiac anaesthetists continue to have a central role in delivering and developing CICU services.