Cardiothoracic Surgery

Our Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit provides assessment and treatment of organs inside the chest.

About this service

We provide both inpatient and outpatient services to people with:

• cardiovascular disease and arrhythmias
• heart failure
• conditions of the lungs that may need surgery, such as lung cancer.

We work closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver holistic care. These include:

• cardiologists (a doctor who specialises in treating diseases of the cardiovascular system - mainly the heart and blood vessels)
• cardiac rehabilitation teams and
• medical oncologists

Who we care for

We care for people of all ages who have been referred by their General Practitioner or specialist, Canberra Hospital Emergency Department or a Canberra Hospital ward after admission.

How to access this service

You need a referral from your General Practitioner or treating specialist.

What to expect

There is high demand for public surgical outpatient services.

We assess all referrals against clinical criteria which is available for referring medical officers. If your condition meets this criteria, you will be offered an appointment.

We encourage you to talk to your General Practitioner about the most appropriate care for your condition.

We aim to triage your referral within five days of receiving it.

We will send you a letter to confirm you are on the waiting list, and we will contact you when an appointment is available.

What to bring to your appointment

• Medicare card
• Any letters or correspondence from your General Practitioner
• Private health insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it)
• List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
• Previous x-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports

Where we’re located

Cardiothoracic Unit, Building 1, Level 3, Canberra Hospital.

We have directions to Canberra Hospital.