We have rapid access clinics at Royal Brompton Hospital and Harefield Hospital.
Your GP may have referred you to the our rapid access clinic because they want to find out if any of your symptoms are heart-related. These symptoms could include:
- shortness of breath
- fatigue (tiredness)
- fluid retention
Your appointment at a rapid access clinic
Coming to see us is pretty straightforward. You can eat and drink as you normally would, and you don't have to do anything specific, but to make things easier, we always ask patients to:
- bring a list of all your medications, including medication that you can buy over the counter without a prescription (this includes inhalers if you have them)
- have your insulin and snacks with you if you are diabetic
- wear loose-fitting clothes to the appointment - this makes taking your basic measurements (like blood pressure), easier
When you arrive at the hospital, go to the reception and ask for directions to the rapid access clinic you have been referred to.
When you get to your clinic, the clinic receptionist and nursing team will check you in and organise tests for you. These tests could include:
- blood tests – these are done to see how well your heart is working
- electrocardiogram (ECG) – to record your heart rate and rhythm
- echocardiogram (echo) – to build up a moving picture of your heart using sound waves
- chest X-ray – to look at your chest, lungs and heart
When you finish your tests, the consultant or nurse specialist will discuss your symptoms and medical history with you, and examine your heart and chest. They will discuss the results and any recommendations with you
Copies of your clinic results and recommendations will be sent to your GP.
Appointment length
The clinic usually takes about two-to-three hours, but can sometimes take longer. We will always let you know if we're expecting any delays.
If you feel unwell
If you feel unwell, please contact your GP for medical advice or call 111, the 24-hour NHS non-emergency number, to speak to an adviser. In an emergency, call 999 for an ambulance.
Referrals to rapid access clinics
Find out how to refer a patient to our rapid access heart clinics and how to contact our clinics in our referrals pages.