RAPID ACCESS CHEST PAIN CLINIC

Service information

A Rapid Access Chest Pain Clinic (RACPC) has been established at Craigavon Area Hospital as part of the Trusts’ commitment to improving services for patients with suspected coronary heart disease. 

The Rapid Access Chest Pain Clinic service commenced March 14th 2005. It provides a comprehensive assessment and risk stratification for patients with new onset chest pain suggestive of ischaemic heart disease during a single clinic visit.

The assessment will include history, risk factor profile, clinic examination, ECG and if appropriate an Exercise Stress Test.

Patients who are diagnosed with angina receive support from a Nurse Specialist. Advice on appropriate secondary prevention measures will be given. Where indicated patients will be followed up in cardiology clinics or have further investigations arranged eg. cardiac catheterisation. Those with low likelihood of significant cardiac disease will be referred back to their GP.  

Following their clinic attendance and if further investigation is required,  patients will receive a discharge note to take to their GP indicating diagnosis, results of investigations and future management plans. A typewritten discharge summary will be sent to the GP within one week of their patient attending the clinic.

 

Referral process 

• The referral criteria, proforma and patient information leaflet will be sent to GP practices. Copies may be obtained via fax (and in the near future from our website).

• A dedicated referral proforma must be completed by the GP or referring doctor and faxed to the clinic at  Fax No. 028 38394493

• The patient will be contacted with an appointment upon receipt of the fax.

Unsuitable referrals: The GP will be posted back the proforma along with a reason why an appointment has not been made for the RACPC.  In some circumstances the referral may warrant a Cardiologist opinion requiring an alternative appointment or investigation, which will be organised for the patient.

Patient referrals and outcomes of clinic attendances will be audited to facilitate development of the service.