The Simple Operative Unit for Cardiac Rehabilitation (S.O.U.) at the IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza” is part of the Complex Operative Unit for Cardiology and Coronary Care Unit (C.O.U. Cardiology – CCU). It provides "intensive" inpatient cardiac rehabilitation services (rehabilitation hospitalization, code 56), aimed at delivering specialized cardiology medical care, nursing assistance, and rehabilitative therapies for high-risk cardiac patients, individuals with disabilities, or those with comorbidities. These patients have moved on from the acute phase of their cardiac condition or post-cardiac surgery recovery but remain at a significant risk of clinical instability.
The S.O.U. Cardiac Rehabilitation was established in 2004 and is located on the 3rd floor of the hospital complex, near the Hospital Church.
It features:
- 20 inpatient beds;
- A multifunctional gym for group dynamic activities;
- Equipment for electrocardiographic monitoring via telemetry during rehabilitation exercises;
- Gym ergometers (stationary bicycles and treadmills).
Inpatient Activities
Since its inception in 2004, the Operative Unit has progressively increased its care activities, achieving high occupancy rates for its inpatient beds. The patient population includes individuals undergoing cardiac surgery (such as myocardial revascularization or valve surgery), survivors of myocardial infarction, patients treated with percutaneous coronary angioplasty, and those with heart failure.
As of 2020, following the COVID-19 pandemic, the bed capacity was temporarily reduced to 10.
S.O.U. Intensive Cardiology Unit 