CARDIOLOGY

Mid Hampshire Healthcare (GP Federation) is piloting a Community Cardiology Service for West Hampshire CCG.  A 15 month pilot starting from October 2016. 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 (GPsi Cardiologist)

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