Patient and staff safety is our prime concern at West Kent Cardiology Partnership and we have changed our standard operating procedures following Department of Health advice to minimise infection risk. We are, however, now open again for face-to-face consultations and on-site investigations where required and our staff remain available to answer enquiries and queries. Currently, therefore, our services can be summarised as:-

1. Consultations are currently being undertaken either face-to-face or by telephone, as required/requested. Telephone consultations have proven effective for many patients and allow a detailed discussion of your symptoms and the development of a management plan. They do not, however, allow for a physical examination and for any cardiac investigations (e.g. ECG, echocardiogram, heart monitors etc) to be undertaken at the time of the consultation. These may be required at a later date. Our staff will discuss with you whether a face-to-face consultation or a telephone consultation is most appropriate for you. Telephone consultations are charged at our normal consultation rates.

2. Whilst we normally prefer patients to have a GP referral letter, we understand that it may be difficult for you to obtain an appointment at your GP surgery. If you are worried about your heart, therefore, we are currently happy to provide consultations without a GP referral (NB if you are using private medical insurance we recommend that you advise your insurer of the situation prior to your consultation).

3. To reduce footfall at Warwick Park Consulting Rooms we are staggering patient arrivals and allowing increased time between patients. Our waiting room is currently closed: patients are being asked to wait in their car prior and to telephone us prior to being called into the practice.

4. Our administration team is now back to working on-site at Warwick Park Consulting Rooms. We will, therefore, be able to help you in the usual way with any queries you may have and ensure that all correspondence with your GP and yourselves is typed and emailed out promptly.

We would respectfully request your assistance by NOT attending the practice should you have any symptoms of possible Coronavirus infection, if you have been in contact with anyone with the virus or have recently travelled abroad to high-risk areas. We are currently undertaking temperature checks on all attendees.

Full details of the symptoms and Government guidelines can be found here – www.gov.uk/coronavirus

We thank you for your patience and understanding during this very difficult time. We are constantly reviewing our services and will provide regular updates as necessary.