Since the Acute Care Triage Unit (ACTU) clinic officially opened its doors in March of 2024, it has provided specialized care to over 4,000 of the Heart Institute’s cardiac patients. With three bed bays, one private room, three chairs, and a bustling central station, this innovative clinic is there to provide urgent care for patients in need of monitoring, testing, fluids, diagnostics and timely interventions. Providing designated space and dedicated expertise, the ACTU clinic saves time, resources, trips to the emergency room and reduces hospital readmissions.
Lindsay MacArthur, an advanced practice nurse for cardiology and clinical manager of the ACTU clinic, says that the clinic was created from an identified need. “We used to run the Rapid Intervention Clinic which was staffed by one nurse and saw about 20 cardiac patients a month.”
“Often we had to send patients to the emergency room because we didn’t have the bed space or capacity to monitor them. It was inconvenient and taxing for patients, especially those who were already very unwell. Now we have a welcoming place, within the walls of the Institute, where our high-priority patients can lie down and receive treatment from staff specifically trained in cardiac care.”
As the ACTU clinic is also equipped to see patients for treatment or monitoring over a series of days, most can return to their own beds at night. Says Lindsay, “The patients really seem to love the care they get here. It is especially nice for those who have repeat appointments or are being followed long term for something like a postoperative sternal infection. They kind of get to know everybody and feel recognized as individuals. We take them seriously and can see them promptly.”
Asked what makes her proud to be a part of the ACTU clinic, Lindsay says that is really the whole thing. “It is the team that we’ve built and how the Heart Institute remains consistently devoted to better serving our patients.”
Dr. Birnie oversees cardiology patients and services, for example, those with heart failure, arrhythmias, chest pain, and similar or related conditions.
“The ACTU is a new model for delivering urgent cardiac care on an out-patient basis; thus, avoiding many Emergency Room visits for patients. Since its launch, the ACTU has provided over 4,500 rapid-access appointments, helping patients receive timely, specialized treatment.
With expanded services including same- or next-day diagnostics, post-discharge planning, and medication optimization, we’re ensuring smoother transitions from hospital to home.
With your support, we can grow this vital program and ensure every cardiac patient receives the care they need—when they need it most.”
– Dr. David Birnie
“Our patients, nursing staff, and physicians alike have found the ACTU to be an incredibly efficient and appreciated resource. I am thrilled to see the positive impact it has had on our community, and I am confident that it will continue to play a crucial role in providing top-notch cardiac care.
Your commitment to excellence and tireless efforts are truly commendable and have played a significant role in our achievements. By maintaining our focus and collaboration, we can reach even greater heights and make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.”
– Dr. Pierre Voisine
Dr. Pierre Voisine, co-director of the ACTU, is head of the Division of Cardiac Surgery at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.
With your support, vital programs like the ACTU can grow and ensure patients receive the care they need— when they need it most.
