Network Clinics
What is a network clinic?
A network clinic is an outpatient clinic at your local hospital. It is sometimes referred to as a Joint Cardiac Clinic, because it is attended by clinicians from the tertiary centre, who work jointly with local clinicians to deliver the clinics.
How is a network clinic different to being seen at the tertiary centre?
Despite the different surroundings, you will still be seen by clinicians from the tertiary centre, who travel to your local hospital to deliver the clinic. As such, you will receive the same specialist care as normal, only closer to home at your convenience.
A network clinic is designed to be supportive and friendly, but if you are attending one for the first time at a hospital that is new to you, we understand that patients and parents can feel a mix of emotions about the appointment.
The clinical team are there to help and there will be time during your appointment to ask any questions you have. Adult patients are also welcome to bring a family member or friend for support.
Who attends a network clinic?
Network clinics are attended by a Consultant Cardiologist and a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) from the tertiary centre. They are joined by a local Consultant, and if your local hospital has a CNS or a nurse with an interest in Cardiology, they will also be present. Sometimes, a Cardiac Physiologist from the tertiary or local centre will be present at the network clinic too.
This means that you might meet several clinicians at your appointment. We understand that this might feel a little overwhelming, but each clinician is serving a specific role, from advising you about your heart condition and symptoms, to providing investigations which help you and the team understand them better.
How do the visiting and local teams work together?
As well as working together during a network clinic, the visiting and local clinical teams are in regular contact between network clinics and share relevant information and the results of any investigations. Many visiting clinicians have worked with local teams for years (and even decades), meaning there are strong working relationships across the network. While local Consultants can see patients with less complex CHD conditions in their own standalone clinics, visiting clinicians are a ready point of contact if a discussion about a patient is needed.
What will happen at my appointment?
After you arrive at your appointment, a nurse will usually check your height and weight, pulse and blood pressure. You will then see the visiting and local consultants, who will review your medical history and talk to you about your health and lifestyle. They or a Cardiac Physiologist may also perform an ECG or echocardiogram.
To learn more about these investigations please see the below video by ECHO.
Should I bring anything with me to my appointment?
You may need to wait for a short time or sit still while tests are done, so for children, bring a favourite toy, book, or snack can help keep them comfortable. You might also be asked to remove your top so doctors and nurses can place stickers or equipment on your chest to check the heart, so wearing loose, easy-to-remove clothing is helpful.
You should also bring a copy of your appointment letter and a list of your current medications and dosages. In preparation for the discussion with the consultants, you may wish to think about your current symptoms and when you experience them.
Click on the image to see ECHO’s video on what to expect at an outpatient appointment.
Echo Animation
