How to get an appointment
In order to arrange an appointment with us, you must be entitled to NHS care and should be registered with a GP in the UK. We would need a referral letter from your GP or hospital consultant. This can be send by fax or post. It is important that your GP includes copies of all recent investigations or assessments.
If all of the above is in order, we will make an appointment to see you at the hospital.
Your first appointment
The first appointment may be at one of our outpatient clinics held every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, where you will meet the PH team.
We may ask you to have some initial tests such as a chest X-ray, echocardiogram (echo) or electrocardiogram (ECG). You will also have the opportunity to talk to staff providing psychological and social support.
The PH outpatient clinic provides ongoing support and treatment for existing patients.
Further assessment and investigation
- After your first appointment, we may ask you to return as an inpatient for three to five days so we can check your health needs and treatment options.
- You should bring your usual day clothes to wear.
- We may need to do a number of tests, but be assured that we only do tests necessary to assess your health.
- In certain circumstances our patients have agreed for their results to be used for research. We will only use your results if we receive your written permission.
- Occasionally we may need to admit you urgently for further tests and/or treatment. Your care will then take place on one of the main hospital wards under the care of the pulmonary hypertension team.
Treatment
Further assessment and investigation will help us to decide if you need treatment with specialist drugs. Your treatment will be:
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Supported by the latest scientific evidence
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Available for routine use on the NHS to treat pulmonary hypertension
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Dependent on your local primary care trust agreeing to fund this therapy indefinitely
If you need a referral to another specialist for further treatment, we will discuss this with you.
Follow-up
- Your GP and hospital consultant who referred you to our service, will usually be responsible for your long-term support.
- We may ask you to return to clinic for a check-up at regular intervals.
- Intervals can be three, six or 12 months and will depend on your treatment and care plan.
- Some patients will not need further follow-up.
If you get acutely unwell at home, you should contact your GP in the first instance. Your GP can then contact us for further advice regarding your care.
Further information
If you would like more information about your treatment or for general enquiries, please contact us on 020 7351 8362 or by sending an email to rbh-tr.nphs@nhs.net.
You can also visit the useful links section for more information about pulmonary hypertension.
If you are a healthcare professional, you can read more about our service in the section pulmonary hypertension for healthcare professionals.
