Perioperative medicine
The Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU) provides an enhanced nursing care recovery area compared to what can be delivered on a general surgical ward.
You will be admitted to PACU because of the type of operation you are having or because of your medical history. This will have been explained and discussed with you by the multidisciplinary team looking after you.
PACU provides an enhanced care environment. On PACU your vital signs are closely observed, fluids are given, invasive blood pressure monitoring and support can be given, and pain management is continued. The nursing staff are highly skilled and trained in recognising and managing problems in patients following surgery. On PACU your care is more personalised, where 1 nurse will care for two patients.
You will be admitted to PACU after you have been discharged from the theatre recovery unit. You will usually stay in PACU for 24 to 48 hours following your operation before being transferred to a general ward.
Where is PACU?
PACU is on the first floor of the James Cook University Hospital and is located within the theatre complex. The entrance to PACU is near ward 37.
Your stay in PACU
The unit is a mixed sex unit, with eight beds within bays separated by curtains. It has a shared patient toilet and hygiene facilities.
Your belongings will be taken to PACU and will remain there until after your surgery.
Eating and Drinking: Depending on your type of surgery and post-operative surgical instructions, you will be able to re-commence normal eating and drinking whilst in PACU.
Mobile phone and tablets are allowed in PACU and hospital WIFI is available, but not always optimal. Please bring headphones with you to minimise disturbance to other patients.
Please bring an eye mask and, or ear plugs to improve your quality of sleep on the unit.
We will inform your next of kin once you are safely admitted to the unit and have settled in.
Visitor Information
PACU is located within the theatre complex therefore, visitors will need to be escorted on and off the unit. Two visitors are allowed per bedspace and the duration of visit may be limited to an hour.
Visitors on the day of surgery are not encouraged as some patients may not be discharged from theatre recovery to PACU until late at night. This is to minimise disturbance to other patients on the unit and to facilitate their recovery following anaesthesia and surgery.
Please note there are no toilet facilities on the unit for visitors. These are located outside the theatre complex.
Visiting must be arranged directly through the nurse in charge by calling PACU beforehand. Please ask your relatives to avoid turning up prior to arrangement.
Contact us
If you require further information, please contact us on:
Telephone 01642 850850 and ask for extension 55099
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]