The rapid access chest pain clinic is for the diagnosis of new onset angina. Patients are usually referred by their GP, however referrals are also accepted from A&E and in-house consultant-to-consultant referrals. The aim is to facilitate expert opinion, early investigation and the risk stratification of chest pain.
The service operates a two week rule: 100 per cent of patients are seen within 14 days of referral where the referral fulfils the criteria (referral forms are faxed in rather than posted and that the patient can make an appointment offered within 14 days).
This service is expanding and currently there are two clinics a week at Epsom Hospital and three clinics at St Helier Hospital. There are plans to increase the service to four clinics per week at St Helier.
