Rapid Access Cardiology
Safe discharge. Rapid specialist review.
Rapid Access Cardiology is a cardiologist-led service designed to support Emergency Departments by providing urgent outpatient assessment for suitable patients who require specialist cardiology review but do not require hospital admission.
For Emergency Departments
The service is intended for patients who have been assessed in the Emergency Department and are considered safe for discharge but require expedited cardiology review.
Common referral indications include:
• Chest pain with negative troponins and no high-risk features
• Palpitations and suspected arrhythmias
• Syncope or presyncope after Emergency Department assessment
• Shortness of breath where outpatient cardiology review is appropriate
• Abnormal ECG findings requiring specialist review
• Suspected heart failure not requiring admission
How It Works
1. Emergency Department Assessment
The patient undergoes standard Emergency Department evaluation and is determined to be suitable for discharge.
2. Referral Submitted
The Emergency Department clinician completes the Rapid Access Cardiology referral form.
3. Rapid Specialist Review
The patient is contacted promptly and offered an urgent cardiology appointment.
4. Management Plan Returned
A detailed cardiology assessment and management plan is provided to the patient's general practitioner and relevant treating teams.
Why Rapid Access Cardiology?
Emergency Departments are increasingly challenged by rising patient presentations, limited bed availability and prolonged wait times.
Many patients require specialist cardiology assessment but do not require inpatient admission.
Rapid Access Cardiology provides an alternative pathway that facilitates timely review, rapid investigation and specialist management while supporting efficient patient flow through the Emergency Department.
The service aims to:
• Reduce avoidable admissions
• Improve access to specialist cardiology care
• Expedite cardiac investigations
• Support Emergency Department clinicians
• Improve patient experience and outcomes
Referral Criteria
Suitable patients generally include those who:
• Are clinically stable
• Have been assessed by an Emergency Department clinician
• Do not require inpatient admission
• Would benefit from specialist cardiology review within days rather than weeks
Not Suitable For Referral
The service is not designed for patients requiring immediate hospital management.
Examples include:
• Ongoing or recurrent chest pain suggestive of acute coronary syndrome
• Positive troponin requiring inpatient investigation
• Haemodynamic instability
• Acute pulmonary oedema
• Sustained ventricular arrhythmias
• High-risk syncope
• Any patient requiring emergency treatment or hospital admission