Cardiology Outpatients

There are times when the department is very busy and because of the nature of the clinics, it may appear that some people are being seen before others.

The duration of your appointment will depend on whether you are required to have any tests within the department.

Delays may occur if there is an emergency.

Frequently inpatients require tests within the department whilst outpatient clinics are running which can cause delays.

We endeavour to ensure that your wait is as short as possible and you will be seen accordingly. 

It is useful to work out your Body Mass Index (BMI), so that we can assess your risk factors for heart disease and give appropriate health education.

Some clinics require patients to be weighed, so that we can calculate the correct dose of some drugs.

It is important that we are aware if any of your medications have recently changed, as this may affect further treatment.

We need to be aware of your current medications at the pre-assessment clinics, in case any tablets need to be changed or stopped prior to your procedure.

Yes, as long as you are happy for this person to hear confidential information discussed.

No, not always.

You will be seen by the most appropriate member of staff, which may be a specialist nurse.

For most clinics, an ECG will be performed on your arrival at the department.

This is part of your clinical assessment.

It also allows us to see if there have been any changes if you have had a previous ECG.

We have an impressive track record for infection control.

Find out more on our Infection Prevention and Control pages.  

You may receive your test results during the same appointment.

Sometimes you will receive them in the post or they will be sent to your GP.

At other times, you will be required to come back to clinic to discuss your results and any further treatment.