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The clinic exists to assess patients with suspected heart problems. The clinic speeds up diagnosis and treatment by ensuring that patients with suspected angina will be seen and assessed by specialists within two weeks of referral from their doctor. Up to two thirds of patients who attend the clinic will have a non heart related problem and can be reassured that their symptoms are not due to heart problems. Patients with acute chest pain who are thought to be suffering from a heart attack will continue to be admitted as an emergency via the Accident and Emergency department or coronary care unit. This clinic fulfills the guidelines laid down by the national service framework. |
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What is it for ? How will the patient benefit ? Patients are seen within two weeks of being referred. Assessment of their chest pain and necessary screening tests are made during the same clinic day. This way a decision is made on whether the patient's chest pain is heart related or not and any further complicated tests would be arranged.
What happens at the clinic? Patients will have an electrocardiogram following which they will be seen and examined by the doctor or nurse clinician. If the doctor feels that the chest pain may be related to the heart then a screening test will be carried out. If the chest pain does not appear to be heart related, the patient is discharged back to his or her own doctor. What are the various tests that can be done? When are results available? On the clinic day an electrocardiogram and possibly an exercise test are carried out. The results will be available during the same clinic visit. How long is the typical clinic visit? About 20 to 30 minutes What happens after clinic visit? Patients will be discharged back to their own doctor if it is felt that the chest pain is not heart related, otherwise further tests will be arranged and the results sent to the patients' own doctor. If treatment is required what happens next? Patients will either be given a prescription from the clinic or will be asked to see their own doctor for any necessary medications. Clinic Appointments |
Eligible Patients
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A new history of angina-sounding chest painNo Suspicion of acute MI or unstable angina
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Patients who are not already under investigation or treatment of angina by a hospital consultant
How to Refer
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Referral letter faxed through (0161 276) 5794Patients should be started on aspirin
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Include patient's telephone number if possible
How long between faxed referral and getting appointment? within two weeks.
Appointments
Appointments are made either by telephone or through the post. If the appointment is made by telephone then patients will be given the choice of which day to attend as long as it is within the two week period from referral.
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