Teams

Gloucestershire Heart Failure Service

We’re a countywide community specialist team which provides assessment for Gloucestershire residents who have suspected heart failure, providing heart scans called echocardiograms.

The Gloucestershire Heart Failure Service was established more than 20 years ago and we’re nationally recognised for our work to support and improve patient outcomes. 

The team is made up of consultant cardiologists, general practitioners with a special interest (GPwSI) in heart failure, a team of specialist heart failure nurses, an educator, phlebotomists as well as administrative support.

Our team provides assessments for Gloucestershire residents who have suspected heart failure. The investigation for this is called an Echocardiogram. If, following an Echocardiogram, a diagnosis of heart failure is confirmed, patients will be reviewed by our GPwSI in heart failure and a heart failure specialist nurse, who, with the patient, will agree a treatment and management plan.

We promote education through information sessions, empowering patients to manage this long-term condition. We also manage patients who have had a recent admission, receiving referrals from the hospital and provide ongoing care  to support you at home.

Patients are referred into our service by their GP and the team also accepts self-referrals from patients who have been discharged from the service within the previous 12 months. Please consult with your GP if you wish to access the service.

Contact us

Patient and carer helpline
9am – 4.30pm, Monday to Friday
0300 421 7084

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Frequently asked questions

What is heart failure?

The term ‘heart failure’ is when the heart muscle is unable to pump as efficiently as it should.  This can cause symptoms of breathlessness, fatigue and congestion.

How common is heart failure?

Heart failure is very common and, although not curable, there are many effective treatments such as medications and pacemakers that are available to improve symptoms, improve quality of life and help people live longer.

How is heart failure diagnosed?

Your GP will request a blood test, ECG, chest x-ray and you will then be referred to the service.

You will then have an Echocardiogram or ‘echo’ an ultrasound scan of your heart to assess your heart function.

 

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram or ‘echo’ is an ultrasound scan of your heart.  The machine will be able to show us pictures of your heart and how well it is pumping.

Watch this video from the British Society for Heart Failure: www.bsh.org.uk

Useful links and information

British Heart Foundation
www.bhf.org.uk

British Society for Heart Failure
www.bsh.org.uk

Pumping Marvellous
www.pumpingmarvellous.org

Arrhythmia Alliance
www.heartrhythmalliance.org

Gloucestershire Carers Hub
0300 111 9000
carers@peopleplus.co.uk
www.gloucestershirecarershub.co.uk

Change, Grow, Live – Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service
01452 223014
Email:  Gloucestershire.Info@cgl.org.uk

Gloucestershire Young Carers services 
01452 733060 
Email: mail@glosyoungcarers.org.uk
www.glosyoungcarers.org.uk

Age Concern
www.ageuk.org.uk

 

 

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