Paris Heart Centre

Waiting List Information

Waiting Times

Waiting times are discussed at the patients surgical consultation. This is a very anxious time for the patient, their family and friends. It is difficult to predict an exact date and movement on the waiting list. Unfortunately some patients present as emergencies and must be operated on immediately. As they are extremely sick, these patients may NOT have been on a waiting list.

Symptoms

If patients are feeling worse they must visit their GP. If their condition has deteriorated medically their G.P. should contact the patients surgeon. The SURGEON will ultimately decide whether the waiting list status should be altered.

Holidays/Commitments

Patients should inform and discuss with Andrea if they are planning a holiday or have any business or social commitments. Patients may also feel too well for their operation. Please be assured that delaying the operation will NOT affect a patients place on the waiting list.

Notice

Depending on the location of the patient, an appointment to a pre-admission clinic will be made for about 2 - 4 weeks prior to your operation. Following this a letter will be sent with a provisional date for the operation. Patients are admitted to hospital the day before the operation and are requested to call the ward to check what time a bed will be available.

Cancellations

Although unlikely, it is possible to be called to come in at short notice if there are any cancellations. Patients can refuse this offer, it does not affect placement on the waiting list. Please note that there is a remote possibility that operations may be cancelled either prior or during admission. Every effort is made to prevent this but occasionally unforeseen circumstances can affect the resources required to accommodate the surgery. Although this is extremely distressing for all concerned a date is given to return within 30 days at which time we endeavour to give the patient a priority status.

Pre-admission Clinic

Depending on your location this is a morning spent on Ward 3 at the Paris Heart Centre at the Paris Royal Infirmary. Here you will meet the cardio- thoracic liaison team and other staff who will be looking after you throughout your stay. Routine investigations are performed and you will be given an information booklet covering your discharge and any problems you may experience at home.