Rapid access chest pain clinic

The rapid access chest pain clinic is situated within Non Invasive Cardiology, on E Level at Southampton General Hospital. The clinic performs diagnostic testing for patients with suspected cardiac problems. It is one of the largest diagnostic units in the country.

The clinic accepts referrals from GPs who are concerned that their patient may have angina – a pain that tends to be related to exercise resulting from a build up of plaque in the coronary arteries.

Patients are seen and fully assessed by a specialist within 14 days of referral. Assessment includes a history of the chest pain, other past medical history, risk factors for heart disease, a physical examination, ECG (tracing that records the heart’s activity from stickers on the chest) and the blood pressure. Patients will also usually have an exercise tolerance test - a special ECG, while walking on a treadmill.

Patients are seen between 9–11.30am and 1.30–4.30pm. We have the capacity to see up to 12 patients a day. Each slot is 30 minutes in duration and the staff include the cardiac specialist (doctor or nurse), registered nurse and cardiac physiologist. As this is a teaching hospital, students may also be present.

The result/plan is discussed with the patient and a letter is faxed to their referring GP within an hour of the appointment. Patients may be referred for other tests as necessary, such as stress echo, myoview, angiography.

If you are referred to the clinic an exact appointment time will be made with you, over the phone (by clinic staff). Please allow plenty of time to park and wear suitable clothing/ footwear for fast walking.