CARDIOLOGY TEAM PILOTING A UNIQUE COMMUNITY ATRIAL FIBRILLATION SERVICE

We are excited to announce the upcoming pilot of a new Community Cardiology Atrial Fibrillation (AF) clinic, serving patients across Coventry and Warwickshire. The clinic at Hartshill Health Centre, Nuneaton will be opening in September 2024.

This initiative aligns with our organisational strategy, More than a Hospital, to deliver local integrated care and improve patient access to services. The Community AF Clinic promotes greater collaboration with primary care, and aims to reduce attendances to emergency services and waiting times for treatment.

The service led by specialist AF nurses and arrhythmia Consultants, hopes to cut the time that patients are waiting for diagnosis and treatment from six months to two weeks.

Dr Sandeep Panikker, Consultant Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist and Project Lead says:

“We know that there are high levels of Atrial Fibrillation, the most common heart rhythm abnormality, in some areas of our population across Coventry and Warwickshire. By providing care closer to people’s homes, we are treating patients without the need of going to a hospital. 

“We have worked closely with our partner hospitals, primary care and community colleagues to construct a service that meets the needs of patients.

“This service aims to target the important goals of stroke prevention, early diagnosis, rapid access to treatment and reduced hospital admissions. We look forward to welcoming both new and current patients to Hartshill Health Centre in September 2024”.