New initiative brings heart tests closer to people’s homes

Patients with suspected heart problems will have access to cardiology services closer to their homes, reducing waiting times and pressure on hospitals as part of a new initiative unveiled by Deputy Health Minister Vaughan Gething.

The Deputy Minister made the announcement during a visit to a pilot community cardiology scheme in Swansea. Specially-trained GPs manage people with heart problems, allowing consultant cardiologists to deal with patients who have more complex conditions.

Ninety per cent of all primary care referrals to secondary cardiology services in the Swansea pilot scheme are being managed by GPs, which has led to a cut in waiting times to see a consultant cardiologist from more than 26 weeks to the current level of around 12 weeks.

The demand for hospital cardiology services in Wales is increasing. Currently, all patient referrals are managed by consultant cardiologists. However, a significant proportion of people who attend hospital-based services only need a diagnostic assessment and reassurance or advice about a management plan, rather than formal review by a consultant cardiologist. Some patients travel considerable distances to hospital on more than one occasion for assessment.

The Welsh Government is investing the majority of a £1m funding boost for the heart disease delivery plan in new community cardiology services. This will provide diagnostics and assessment closer to people’s homes in primary care, triage for these tests and reporting will be carried out by GPs with a special interest in cardiology, supported by consultant cardiologists.

The £1m for the heart disease delivery plan is part of the £10m allocated to 10 delivery plans, which was announced last year.

Deputy Health Minister Vaughan Gething said:

“The pilot project I’m visiting in Swansea today has been a big success. It has led to quicker access to the most appropriate service and intervention for patients following an assessment. It has also resulted in shorter waiting times for cardiology outpatient appointments as a result of a reduced number of referrals and demand.

“The development of community cardiology services in Wales will enable patients, referred by their GPs, to be seen in primary care closer to their homes. This will help reduce pressure on hospitals, ensuing specialist consultants see only the most urgent cases.

“Providing this new model will bring significant benefits to both patients and staff as a result of improved diagnostics and shorter waiting times, career development and opportunities to work with specialists.”

Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board’s Regional Services Manager, Teresa Humphreys said:

“The success of the Community Cardiology Service in Swansea has been an excellent example of partnership working between general practitioners, hospital consultants and cardiac physiologists to create a joined up care pathway for patients.

“All those involved should be very proud of the service they have created.

“The Welsh Government investment provides us with a real opportunity to further develop the service and roll out the approach across our health board.”