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More on reducing waiting times
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Last modified date:8 February 2007
The shorter the waiting time, the better the outcome for the patient. The NHS delivered a maximum six month wait for heart surgery in April 2004, a vast improvement on the situation in 1996 where some patients in England waited over two years for surgery. Waiting times have been reduced by investing in staff, buildings and equipment.
A new target has been set for reducing waiting times even further. From 2008 no-one should wait more than 18 weeks from GP referral to hospital treatment, including all diagnostic procedures and tests - for example MRI and CT scans and angioplasty. This target applies to acute elective hospital care, but primary care trusts are encouraged to agree local plans to reduce waiting for other types of treatment.
Rapid access chest pain clinics
The NHS Plan states that 'by 2003 rapid access chest pain clinics (RACPCS) will be established right across the country to assess, within two weeks, all patients with new onset chest pain which their GP thinks might be due to angina'.
A rapid access chest pain clinic is defined as a cardiologist-supervised facility for assessment of patients with recent onset chest pain. This facility should work under protocols set up by a cardiologist or a general physician with an interest in cardiology. Staff should be able to call on a cardiologist (or a general physician with an interest in cardiology), although the consultant does not have to be present at all times.
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For further information
This section contains information, policy documents and advice on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of CHD and other cardiac conditions. If you are interested in clinical information on CHD from a patient perspective you might like to visit NHS Direct or the British Heart Foundation website.
NHS Heart Improvement Programme
The NHS Heart Improvement Programme supports the delivery of the National Service Framework (NSF) for Coronary Heart Disease, through the development of cardiac networks.
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