Why Refer?
The Community Cardiology Service model offers numerous benefits to patients, GPs and the local health economy, including:
- Referral to The Community Cardiology Service rather than hospital outpatients means faster access and diagnosis for patients
- Centralised referral and availability of community clinics means reduction of triage times to less than 72hrs
- Community based clinics mean patients can be seen at a location that is convenient for them
- Community based clinics mean patients avoid going to hospital outpatients
- 30-60 minute appointments mean patients can fully explore treatment options and are empowered to make decisions about their care plan
- Six week “open door” means that patients can access the service without needing another GP referral
- Availability of specialist cardiology care in community means >20% reduction of referrals to hospital
- More appropriate referral to hospital means improved efficiency in secondary care
- All of the above means improved patient experience and satisfaction – 100% of patients would recommend the service to their friends and family see ‘What our Patients Say‘
