Located adjacent to the Cardiac Catheterization Labs, Western Baptist Hospital's Close Observation Unit provides safe and cost-effective care to heart patients before and after cardiac catheterization procedures and diagnostic tests.

The 10-bed unit is staffed by registered nurses who are certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support. Because it is an open unit, nurses can closely observe patients at all times. In addition, patients' heart rhythms and blood pressure are continuously monitored. Patients can quickly return to the cath lab if problems arise.

Patients who receive interventional procedures, such as angioplasty, generally remain on the unit for one to two hours before being transferred to a hospital room on the 4B-Telemetry Unit.

Family members are welcome to remain with patients in the Close Observation Unit while they are recovering.

For more information about Western Baptist Hospital's Close Observation Unit, phone (270) 575-2747.