30 March 2023

Frimley Health’s cardiology team has introduced three cardiology community hubs across Surrey and Berkshire to help patients get quicker access to non-emergency heart care.

This new transformational model of working is offered in only a few places across the country and will be run by GPs who have been specially trained by our cardiology consultants.

The hubs in Farnham, Maidenhead and Upton opened to patients last month, providing both diagnostic services and preventative cardiovascular care to help patients with predispositions to heart disease better manage their health.

Diagnostic facilities include echocardiograms, holter monitoring (portable electrocardiograms) and blood pressure monitoring, allowing patients to have more timely access to testing closer to where they live. The GPs have full access to support from our team of cardiologists and if severe cardiac disease is identified, the patient would then be referred to a consultant.

The nine highly experienced GPs received intensive face to face training late last year followed by a six-week programme of shadow clinics to learn the practicalities and processes of providing a cardiovascular service.

The current average waiting time in the region for cardiology outpatient appointments is around 20 weeks and waiting lists are 50% higher than pre-pandemic levels. Caring for more people in the community hubs will help to free up specialist care in our hospitals and allow patients to be diagnosed and treated more quickly.

The individual appointments in the cardiology community hubs are 30 minutes long to give GPs enough time to provide a more holistic service.

Dr Lydia Sturridge, consultant cardiologist said: “The demand for cardiology services is greater than ever and these new hubs will bring equal access to the community with the care closer to home.