Where to go

[groesclose]

Where would i get to see an E.P. privately. I live around the Newport, cardiff area, so now good waiting 2 years. Cant find list on Health Unlocked site. I just need information and cant seem to get answer. Just been changed to amiodarone by my cardiologist and it really frightens me long term. Any suggestions?

[PeterWh]

Use this link and select AF Ablation as the specialist:

heartrhythmspecialists.org/...

The link on the main AFA website appears to no longer be there.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to PeterWh]

Its still there Peter under AF Specialists.

[Hidden]

I'm not sure how many private or "mainly private" EP's are listed generally. Mine never is and yet he's one of the top guys. But you'll find him on the private BMI website.

I Googled your requirements and found Spire Healthcare who list quite a few specialists down your way. Here's a page that might help spirehealthcare.com/cardiff...

I know nothing about them whatsoever, just Googled it !!!

Might be worth calling BMI as well. I went under them for quite a few consultations and also a private ablation. And one of their guys did an ablation under NHS for me as well.

Good luck

Koll

[PeterWh in reply to Hidden]

There are quite a few other private hospital chains as well as individual ones.

What I should have said in my reply above was that select the EP. Some show both their NHS and their private practice locations on the list others just the NSH one. If only NHS one then search by name to find out as to where they do private.

Koll - your response made me realise I hadn't given full info!!!

[groesclose in reply to Hidden]

Thanks so much for your trouble. Appriciated.

[BobD Volunteer]

No I never took beta blockers at all once I switched from flecainide.

[sportscoach]

Dr Peter O'Callaghan is the main EP for the Heath Hospital in Cardiff (NHS)....

spirehealthcare.com/cardiff...

Dr O'Callaghan also works privately with Spire Health(Private).... link shown above..... you should be able to arrange a private appointment at the private Spire hospital in Cardiff

Hope the info helps

[groesclose in reply to sportscoach]

Thanks for the information. Have seen Dr Callahan and he agreed i need pac & ablate which frightens me a bit. I had a double mastecomoy for breast cancel 5 years ago and there doesnt seem a lot of room around me chest area for a pacemaker:seems awfully boney. Anyone else any experience or tip. I would be very grateful.

[souljacs4]

There is a very good heart hospital in Bristol Spire I saw a Dr Glyn Thomas he had been recommended by a friend. I found him to be very good. I live in Swansea it was worth the trip to Bristol

[CTG99]

Dr O'Callaghan is my EP and he's been great. Saw him privately a couple of times then went onto his NHS list when we were looking at ablation. I'm still in touch with his AF nurse even though I don't currently need an EP appointment. Would definitely recommend him.

Caroline

[groesclose in reply to CTG99]

So hit and miss to go into this blindly. Nicecto have a name. Thankyou.

[HCMguy]

As other replies have indicated, Spire in Cardiff lists EP Consultants. As a Carer to my husband, we have experience of both Dr Peter O'Callaghan and Dr James Barry, who are both excellent. Dr Barry also heads up the South Wales Cardiac Network for NHS Wales.

You may already be aware that UHW in Cardifff and Morriston Hospital Swansea, are the main Cardiac Centres for South Wales. An excellent EP in Morriston, is Dr Mark Anderson. Dr James Barry is also part of this team.

I also understand your concern regarding Amioderone which does have significant side effects. My husband was on it long term (9 years) and it was difficult to manage, especially his sensitivity to sunlight.

I hope this information is helpful, although you may ask for a second opinion, even within NHS Wales. Your consultant, or a member of his team are obliged to answer your questions/concerns as part of your treatment plan. I wish you well whichever route you take.

[groesclose in reply to HCMguy]

Yes, the amioderone is causing me some concern especially the sensitivity to light part as i am going to Balearics Monday week. I know it effects people differently but bee on it now for 2 weeks with no change in rhythem still 48 to 98 in a blink, so tiring. Wonder if its worth risking other problems it can cause. sorry to sound moany but had bad night.

[HCMguy]

It is worrying, my husband wore factor 50 by Roc which was given on prescription however he still burnt. Very important to cover skin up with cool cotton etc. Even your head as tips of ears can burn and blister very easily. Let's hope you are not as sensitive and can tolerate moderate sunshine, you just need to be aware and take necessary precaution.

Your GP should be able to advise as you may not see a consultant prior to your holiday. Best wishes, I did not mean to alarm you

[groesclose in reply to HCMguy]

No,no, you did'nt alarm me. My consultant already said no sunbathing so am taking cotton, long skirts instead of shorts and have bought a big hat. Good tip about the 50 factor on prescription, never thought of that. What a blooming nuisance. Part of me wishes i hadn't booked it, but life must go on. Seize the day, eh?

[BasG]

Try Spire Cardiff Hospital. They were quick on consultation and the EP also worked at The Heath.

Heart Centre: 029 2073 6011

Good Luck

BasG

[Hidden]

Just a word, I tried seeing an EP in the Heath, and whilst yes I could pay private to see him, after this consultation I then couldn't be under him as he was based outside of my health board, so it wasn't worth me paying to see him, I researched and found one in my health board who im now under on the nhs