CARDIOLOGY

Mid Hampshire Healthcare (GP Federation)  piloted a Community Cardiology Service for West Hampshire CCG in October 2016; initially a 15 moth programme - Due to the success of this pilot, is has now been extended to 2020. The aim is to provide a more convenient local service, reduce current waiting times, improve service quality whilst reducing NHS service spend.

The service is led by Dr Peter Savill and Dr Chris Arden (GPsi Cardiologists)

Admin hub contact details = 01420 562922 (open 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday)

The Service Criteria

Inclusions:

• Patients 18+ only
• Patients registered at Mid Hampshire practices only
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)
• Ambulatory ECG monitors (24 hour, 48 hour and 7 day) and event recorders
• Ambulatory blood pressure recording (24 hour)
• Suspected heart failure with a BNP < 2000
• Suspected valvular lesions/Murmurs
• Atrial Fibrillation (those requiring specialist evaluation)
• Palpitations (those requiring specialist evaluation)
• Hypertension (those requiring specialist evaluation)
• Known coronary artery disease
• Follow-ups of valve disease
• Follow-ups of more complex cardiology cases after discussion with consultant

Exclusions:

• Patients presenting with suspected unstable or acute cardiac presentations
• Referrals to rapid access chest pain clinics
• patients with a BNP of >2000
• Patients with complex cardiac conditions which may include implanted rhythm management devices e.g. CRT, ICDs
• Patients presenting with syncope
• The service will not provide the following diagnostic procedures initially, although the range of investigations will be reviewed as the service develops in line with any changes to local guidelines:
• Exercise Stress Testing as immediate access to full resuscitation facilities and medical attention is mandatory. 
• Transoesophageal echocardiography

Clinic Locations/ times

GPsi Cardiologist clinics

Practice Nurse Assistant (PNA) monitor fitting clinics