Appointments

Your appointment

Your appointment may be:

• face-to-face
• by telephone
• by video

We'll let you know what type of appointment you have by letter, text or phone call.

If you're coming for a face-to-face appointment, please arrive no more than 30 minutes before your appointment time.

How to get an appointment

Your GP or another health professional can refer you.

If you've already had an appointment with us you can contact us to make an appointment.

Changing or cancelling your appointment

New appointments

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 020 7188 7188 extension 51325

Follow-up appointments

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 020 7188 1022

If you miss your appointment we'll contact you to check you're ok and find out if there were any problems that might make it hard for you to come to your next appointment. We'll also give you another appointment.

If you miss 2 appointments in a row, you or your GP will need to contact us to book another appointment.

Before your appointment

We'll send you a letter with instructions before your appointment if you need to fast or avoid certain foods or drinks.

During your appointment

Your first appointment will last 2 to 3 hours.

You may be seen by:

• a consultant cardiologist or surgeon
• a senior trainee or clinical nurse specialist

You'll have several tests before or after your appointment. These may include:

• recording your blood pressure, height and weight
• an electrocardiogram (ECG)
• an echocardiogram (ultrasound scan of the heart)
• blood tests
• an X-ray
• an exercise test

We're a teaching hospital and sometimes students will be in the clinic to observe. We'll ask you if you are happy for them to be at your appointment. It will not affect your care if you prefer not to have them there.

After your appointment

At the end of your appointment we'll discuss your diagnosis, treatment plan and whether you need any more tests.

We'll also send a letter to you and your GP containing this information and a reminder of our contact details.

You may need a follow-up appointment to:

• routinely monitor your heart condition
• discuss the results of any tests and confirm follow-up appointments
• discuss whether you'll need to have a procedure
• speak to a clinical nurse specialist for support or lifestyle advice

Please contact us if we haven't given you a date and time for your follow-up appointment.