Outpatients (adult congenital cardiac)
How to find us
Cardiovascular and thoracic outpatients is located on D level, East Wing, Southampton General Hospital.
Head towards wards D2 and D3 from the lifts or stairs, and you will see the reception desk ahead of you. Please book in at reception when you arrive, and please remember to bring your appointment letter with you.
If you have difficulty walking any distance, you may wish to collect a wheelchair from reception, in the main entrance.
Coming to a clinic
We run regular outpatient clinics to diagnose and follow-up adult congenital heart conditions.
Your test results and notes will be given to the doctor, who may recommend that you come into hospital as a day case or inpatient for further tests or procedures. They may also discuss your treatment with you, such as a change to your medication.
We'll usually measure your height and weight to calculate your body mass index (BMI), and give you an electrocardiogram (ECG). Your preliminary tests may also include taking your blood pressure and measuring the oxygen saturation levels of your blood (this doesn't involve a blood test). You may also have an echocardiogram (ECHO). Find out more about electrocardiograms and echocardiograms.
Adult congenital heart conditions tend to be complicated, and consultations can run over and cause delays. Please allow two to three hours to spend at the clinic.
As a teaching hospital, we might ask if you are happy for a student doctor or nurse to be present for part of your appointment.
It's very important that you keep your outpatient follow-up appointments even if you feel fit and well. Everybody with a congenital heart condition needs lifelong follow up.
Diagnostic tests
During your cardiac assessment, you may require some of the following tests:
- ECG (electrocardiogram) or exercise ECG
- Chest x-ray
- Echocardiogram or stress echocardiogram
- Transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE)
- Cardiac MRI scan
- Cardiac catheter or angiogram
Many of your diagnostic tests will be carried out by the non-invasive cardiology department. Patients with heart rhythm disorders may be seen by the cardiac rhythm management team.
Clinic dates and times
One of our consultants or a member of their specialist team will see you at our clinics.
- Clinics are on Monday afternoons, Wednesday mornings, and Thursday and Friday afternoons.
- Our pulmonary hypertension outpatients clinic is on the last Friday of each month.
- Joint obstetric and congenital cardiac clinics are held on the second Wednesday of each month, at the Princess Anne Hospital.
Our team
