Arrange to see an experienced cardiologist privately and jump the queue
The latest news suggests that waiting times in the NHS are at their worst level for years. A recent report by the Guardian newspaper suggests that the current waiting list has reached record levels. It is estimated that 3.9 million people are waiting for treatment in the NHS. The problem is made worse by staff shortages and chronic underfunding. Once you have been referred by your GP you may face several weeks of anxious waiting to see a cardiologist about your symptoms of chest pain, breathlessness or palpitations. Once you have had your consultation you may wait several weeks again for any heart tests that may be required to reach a diagnosis. The other problem you may encounter is that you may not necessarily see the consultant whose name is on the cardiology clinic – you may end up seeing a junior trainee or a nurse. Most junior trainees or nurses discuss any patients that they see with the consultant in charge of the clinic but this isn’t the same as seeing the cardiologist directly.
One of the many advantages of seeing a cardiologist privately is a waiting time of just a few days. There is no waiting list for a private cardiology appointment at a choice of two locations that covers most of the West Midlands area. The Priory Hospital has an outpatient department in Edgbaston, Birmingham with clinics operating on a Wednesday evening 6pm until 8pm and Friday evening 5pm until 7pm. Alternatively, Spire Little Aston Hospital in Sutton Coldfield covers the North of the Birmingham area and the surrounding county of Staffordshire. Clinics at Spire Little Aston run on a Tuesday evening 5.30pm until 8pm or Wednesday afternoon 2pm until 5pm. Patients can often be seen on the same day making it a significantly shorter waiting time compared to the several weeks you would potentially wait for an NHS cardiology consultation.
Additionally, any tests that are required such as an ECG, echocardiogram, portable heart monitoring or exercise ECG can be done at the same time as your private cardiology consultation or just a few days later. For patients who do not have private medical insurance Dr. Hamaad offers extremely competitive rates and if more than one private heart test is undertaken a discount is usually offered. To make the offer even more competitive – patients who have 2 or more heart tests privately also have a free-of-charge follow-up appointment (usually costing £120).
From start to finish the whole process can take just 2 weeks. There is no need to worry about your symptoms for weeks on end. Arrange a private cardiology consultation within a few days, have your tests and get peace of mind or start treatment within just 2 weeks. In addition, patients will soon have the option of making an online booking themselves at a date and time to suit them. The current process involves a phone call to the venue of choice where a receptionist will take the booking. Direct booking through this site eliminates the need to call or speak to a receptionist.
Being anxious about potentially having a heart problem can be worrying. Avoid weeks of anxious waiting and book an appointment today with Dr. Hamaad, an experienced consultant cardiologist who can arrange your heart tests within minimal time.
