Outpatients (diagnosis and follow-up)

We run regular outpatient clinics| for diagnosis and follow-up of adult congenital heart conditions.

Most clinics are held in East Wing of Southampton General Hospital - find out more about our facilities| and directions to the clinic|.

The joint obstetric / congenital cardiac clinic| is held at the Princess Anne Hospital.

When you arrive, you will be booked in at reception. You will need to bring your appointment letter with you. You will then be directed through to the waiting area, where a member of nursing staff will come to get you. You may also meet one of the clinical nurse specialists| who provide expert support.

You can expect to have your height and weight measured to calculate your body mass index (BMI) and an electrocardiogram (ECG). Your preliminary tests may also include taking your blood pressure and measuring the oxygen saturation levels of your blood (this does not involve a blood test). You may also have an echocardiogram (ECHO). Find out more about electrocardiograms and echocardiograms|.

The test results will be passed on to the doctor along with your notes. Your doctor may then recommend that you come into hospital as a day case or inpatient| for further tests or procedures|, or may discuss your treatment with you, such as a change to your medication.

Due to the complexity of adult congenital heart conditions, consultations tend to be longer than the allotted appointment time and clinic delays are inevitable. You may spend 2-3 hours in clinic, so please allow adequate time for this.  

Because we are a teaching hospital you may be asked whether you mind a student doctor or nurse being present during part of your appointment.

It is very important that you keep your outpatient follow-up appointments even if you feel fit and well. Everybody with a congenital heart condition requires life-long follow up.