Rapid Access Clinic

Sutherland Heart Clinic Rapid Access Clinic (SHC RAC)

The Sutherland Heart Clinic Rapid Access Clinic (SHC RAC) is designed to provide timely care for patients with known or suspected cardiac issues. The service is particularly suited for those experiencing symptoms such as chest discomfort, palpitations, or shortness of breath.

When to Seek Help

If symptoms are severe or make you feel unwell, always call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department (ED).

However, many cardiac symptoms may be mild or resolve quickly but could still signify a serious condition.

The Gap in Urgent Cardiac Care

Historically, patients with concerning symptoms were advised to seek an urgent review with their GP. Unfortunately, a shortage of GPs—caused by systemic challenges and declining numbers of medical graduates entering general practice (down from 40% in 1985 to 13% in 2023)—has made this increasingly difficult. At the same time, emergency departments are under growing pressure due to factors such as population growth, an aging population, and limited hospital resources.

Additionally, once a patient has accessed a GP and obtained a referral for a Cardiac review, there is often a several week wait for an appointment.

This leaves many patients with few viable options for addressing potentially serious cardiac symptoms.

The SHC Rapid Access Solution

To address this gap, The Sutherland Heart Clinic has established a Rapid Access Clinic for prompt cardiac assessments. This service allows patients to bypass the emergency department and receive direct care from experienced cardiac specialists.

How it Works

Patients are assessed immediately by a coronary care nurse.
An ECG and blood tests are performed on-site.
The patient is reviewed by a senior cardiology trainee (often the same individual who would be consulted in the Emergency Department) and usually by the onsite senior Cardiologist.
If the patient has a usual cardiologist, they will normally be contacted for further advice.
The clinic is equipped to perform advanced diagnostics such as ultrasounds, stress tests, and emergency coronary interventions, including angiography and stenting. If hospitalization is required, patients can be admitted to either a public or private hospital.

Accessing the SHC RAC

Note: This is not a walk-in or self-referral service. Access is available via two pathways:

1. GP Referral

If a GP identifies concerning cardiac symptoms that do not warrant Emergency Department care but require timely specialist input, they can refer the patient directly with a single phone call.
Referred patients are typically seen on the same day.

2. Cardiologist Referral

Patients already under the care of a participating Cardiologist can be referred by that Cardiologist.
Usually, the patient would make a request to the Cardiologist for an urgent appointment, and should the Cardiologist feel that an urgent review is required but cannot be accommodated in the office then they may arrange for the patient to attend the SHC RAC within 24–48 hours, provided there is a current GP referral to the Cardiologist in place.

Cost

Typically, the service is delivered with no cost to the patient.

This service aims to ensure that patients with possible cardiac symptoms receive the care they need without unnecessary delays or stress.