Cardiac heart failure service: referral information for healthcare professionals

How to refer patients to our service

1. New patients with suspected or confirmed diagnosis of heart failure
   Please check NT-Pro BNP levels for patients with suspected heart failure as this helps with our triage process.

1.1 NT-proBNP is >2000pg/ml in a patient without a history of previous heart failure – refer to One Stop Clinic where an echocardiogram and clinic consultation will take place on the same day.

1.2 NT-pro BNP 400-2000pg/ml:  please request an echocardiogram and refer to us if it shows abnormalities.

• • If you are a GP, please make the referral on the Electronic Referral System (ERS).
  • If you are not a GP, please email buc-tr.CommHF@nhs.net

 

2. Repeat referrals of patients with a history of heart failure
   A) Patients with significant fluid overload despite up-titration of oral diuretics– please refer to IV Furosemide lounge by emailing please email buc-tr.CommHF@nhs.netor calling 07816857077
3. B) Patients with other issues– If you are a GP, please make the referral on the Electronic Referral System (ERS). If you are not a GP, please email – buc-tr.CommHF@nhs.net
4. Advice & Guidance on ERS
   If you are a GP and unsure about a referral, please place your query for the attention of heart failure team in the advice and guidance (A&G) portal on ERS.

 

Heart failure with reduced and preserved ejection fraction
There are two broad categories of heart failure. They are heart failure with reduced (LVEF <50%) and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF >50%).

At present the heart failure nursing team are commissioned to see patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (LVEF <50%). Please refer all other heart failure patients with LVEF >50% to the consultant cardiologist via ERS or a letter.

Please also find information for patients in our heart failure diary – a short guide to help you manage your heart condition.