How do I get a follow up appointment ... - British Heart Fou...

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How do I get a follow up appointment with a cardiologist?!

Wollaston profile image
11 Replies

Hello folks.

CABGx4 June 21. Started having problems (heaviness in chest, short of breath etc) Sept 23. Spoke to GP and managed to get an appointment with a cardiologist July 24, followed by a stress MRI in Aug 24 and an echo in Oct 24.

The MRI shows “Diffuse perfusion defects affecting antero-lateral, inferior and septal segments suggestive of three-vessel coronary disease” which was a shock. But then no follow up, no explanation, nothing. I telephoned cardiology at the beginning of January and they said they would get me a phone call appointment. But still nothing. I’m quite worried about this. How do I get seen? Or to speak to someone at the hospital? My GP surgery is beyond useless now unfortunately. You can’t even ring them up anymore!

Any advice much appreciated x

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Wollaston profile image
Wollaston
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11 Replies

If you have not been discharged by the cardio team at your hospital, it's no good talking to your GP. So I suggest you first contact the medical secretary in the hospital cardio department, or talk to the cardiology appointments team.

Piotr2025 profile image
Piotr2025

when l received my first letter from cardiologist there were telephone numbers for what l presume were secretaries ( didn’t think it wd be direct dial!) . And a general email. I wd phone and email again. Also econsult GP and ask them to follow up.

I waited 2and a 1/2 years for initial phone consultation and it only happened because l contacted GP.

Dint receive my echocardiogram result for over 6 weeks- it had been sent to GP immediately and they had not bothered to tell me the result. Only discovered it was there after casual remark by a Receptionist. Very poor communication in Brighton/ East Sussex

Goonerboy6661 profile image
Goonerboy6661

I would send a letter or email to the cardiologists secretary, something like the following -

To: [Cardiology Department]

[Hospital Name]

[Hospital Address]

Subject: Urgent Follow-Up Required – No Response After Serious MRI Findings

Dear [Cardiologist’s Secretary’s Name],

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the lack of follow-up after my recent stress MRI, which was performed on [date] at [hospital]. The MRI results indicate:

“Diffuse perfusion defects affecting antero-lateral, inferior, and septal segments suggestive of three-vessel coronary disease.”

This was a shocking and concerning result, particularly given my history of CABG x4 in June 2021, and my ongoing symptoms of chest heaviness and shortness of breath since September 2023.

I was informed in January 2024 that I would receive a telephone consultation, but despite multiple attempts to follow up, I have not received any communication regarding next steps. Given the severity of my MRI findings, I am extremely worried about my current condition and the lack of medical guidance.

I urgently request the following:

1. A priority appointment with my cardiologist to discuss my MRI results and next steps.

2. A clear plan for further investigations or treatment, given that I am still experiencing ongoing chest symptoms.

3. A direct response from the cardiology team regarding my case, as I have been left without any guidance since my test results.

I appreciate how busy the NHS is, but I am concerned that my case may have been overlooked, and I do not want to risk further deterioration while waiting indefinitely. Please treat this request as urgent, as my symptoms persist and I need to understand the severity of my condition.

I would appreciate a response as soon as possible. I can be reached via [phone number] or [email].

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Wollaston profile image
Wollaston in reply toGoonerboy6661

Wow! Thank you so much for this. That’s a really great letter. I’m really grateful. I’m going to get on with this today. Let’s hope it does the trick!

fishonabike profile image
fishonabike in reply toWollaston

I suggest you also send a copy to your GP

Goonerboy6661 profile image
Goonerboy6661 in reply toWollaston

In addition to your GP as fishonabike suggests maybe even you MP as hospitals hate attention to themselves being exposed

fishonabike profile image
fishonabike in reply toGoonerboy6661

Well written - this is very thoughtful of you

GCWhits profile image
GCWhits

After being discharged from hospital for a cardiac issue, I was told I would need a follow up appointment in 3 months. After 6 months I chased, then after 8 months. I waited 10 months, then finally paid for a private consultation- with the same consultant I would have seen on NHS. I did eventually get an NHS appointment, but that was for a telephone call only. Shocking. This is in Kent.

Wollaston profile image
Wollaston in reply toGCWhits

It’s a sad situation isn’t it?!

My echo results are still at the hospital. I was told that the GP surgery hasn’t got them as the doctor who asked for the echo needs to actually request the results himself. Weird. Wouldn’t be a problem except that he’s actually retired now so isn’t there anymore!! I feel like I’m stuck in a crazy sitcom - except that it isn’t funny at all 😡

Lowerfield_no_more profile image
Lowerfield_no_more in reply toWollaston

I suggest you contact the PALS team at the hospital concerned and get them to assist in extracting your results That's what they are there for.

Wollaston profile image
Wollaston in reply toLowerfield_no_more

That’s a good idea. Hadn’t thought of them. Thank you ☺️

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