A NEW fast-track chest pain clinic in Newcastle is helping people with potential heart disease get quicker access to hospital services.
The clinic, at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, aims to guarantee an appointment with a specialist within two weeks for anyone who develops chest pain. Most people are seen within 48 hours.
The service is aimed at people whose condition is not considered an emergency but whose GP thinks they might have the onset of a serious illness.
Dr Iftikar Haq, one of four consultants at the infirmary to have helped establish the clinic as a partnership with the Freeman Hospital, said the new service would be a great improvement for patients.
"Coronary heart disease is the major killer in the UK and early diagnosis means early treatment," he said.
"At the new clinic, patients can be assessed, treated and advised about how to improve their chances of maintaining their health."
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