Heart Failure

What does the service provide?

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  A “One Stop” Heart Failure Clinic runs every Monday morning (other than Bank Holidays) alternating between Oxted Health Centre and Birchwood Medical Practice in Horley. GP’s who suspect a patient of having heart failure refer them into our clinic where they will undergo an echocardiogram and clinician review and a written report will then be sent back to the referring GP.
• Education, information and support to those newly diagnosed with Heart Failure
• Ongoing support and advice not only to the patient but to their families and carers too.

Our Team

Our team consists of Heart Failure Nurse Specialists (HFNS) who provide:

• Nurse led clinics on a weekly basis at Oxted Health Centre, Caterham Dene Hospital, Birchwood Medical Practice Horley, Smallfield surgery Redhill and Greystone surgery Redhill providing specialist nursing assessment and advice on managing Heart Failure.
• Education around what Heart Failure is and how to manage it including lifestyle advice and measures to put in place to monitor the condition
• Advice on the signs and symptoms to look out for which could indicate a “flare up” of the condition and what to do if they notice any of them
• Regular reviews of symptoms, general observations and well- being along with regular blood tests to monitor kidney function
• Individualised care plans to encourage the patient to self-manage their condition (with support of the HFNS)
• An “open door” service with access to the HFNS by telephone if required.

How to refer to the Service

• GP’s who have a suspicion of heart failure can arrange to have a Pro-BNP blood test done and if positive can refer directly into our One Stop Heart Failure Clinics for an echocardiogram and clinician review
• Clinicians can refer in directly to the Heart Failure Nurse Specialist if the patient has a confirmed diagnosis of heart failure (LVEF <45%) on echocardiogram done within the last 12 months
• Patients must be registered with an East Surrey GP.

Useful Links

• British Heart Foundation: www.bhf.org.uk 0300 330 3311