About our service
We offer a range of services to patients, on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. We investigate possible cardiac conditions and monitor patients with ongoing cardiac conditions. We provide a comprehensive range of diagnostic services, including Electrocardiography (ECG), Exercise Testing, Echocardiography, Tilt table testing and ambulatory ECG / event monitoring / blood pressure monitoring. We also host cardiac device follow-up clinics.
We have a large team of experienced cardiac healthcare science assistants, healthcare science practitioners and clinical scientists who are supported by an administration team. All staff who report on echocardiograms hold accreditation with The British Society of Echocardiography, or equivalent. Staff who check cardiac devices hold the British Heart Rhythm Society accreditation, or equivalent.
Cardiac Day Unit
Our team of highly experienced consultant cardiologists, supported by multidisciplinary teams, provide a range of cardiac services across County Durham and Darlington. We have a dedicated Cardiac Day Unit (CDU) at Darlington Memorial Hospital (DMH).
- Diagnostic angiography.
- Permanent pacemaker implants (PPM).
- Pacemaker revision / battery change.
- Cardiac loop recorder implant / explant (ILR).
- Transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE).
- Dobutamine stress echocardiogram (DSE).
- Cardiac loop recorder implant (ILR).
- Transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE).
- Dobutamine stress echocardiogram (DSE).
- DC Cardioversion (DCCV).
We also provide outpatient and inpatient services to adult patients of all ages and can be contacted at DMH, Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm: 01325 743 934
Cardiology specialist nursing
Our cardiology specialist nursing team offer support for patients and carers with heart disease and heart failure in hospital and community settings. The team consists of nurse practitioners and specialist nurses as well as physical activity facilitators and health care assistants. Nursing teams are based at University Hospital of North Durham, Darlington Memorial Hospital and Bishop Auckland Hospital as well as in community premises in Stanley, Peterlee and Darlington.
Cardiovascular service
Patients admitted to hospital with a heart attack or following angioplasty or bypass operation are usually seen in hospital by the specialist nurse team who start the process of cardiac rehabilitation. This typically covers a period of 3 to 6 months and involves supporting people to recover, reducing the risk of further heart problems and helping people to manage their condition. Cardiac rehabilitation programmes offer 16 sessions of exercise, education and relaxation and are offered in both hospital and community venues throughout the county. There are daytime and evening sessions available. Patients may also be offered review in a hospital or community clinic as well as in their own home or GP surgery.
The specialist nurse team also provide chest pain clinics and cardiology review clinics at University Hospital of North Durham, Darlington Memorial Hospital, Bishop Auckland Hospital and Shotley Bridge Hospital. These are designed to offer a rapid assessment and investigation of chest pain that does not require admission to hospital.
Heart failure service
The heart failure service supports and monitors patients who have been diagnosed with heart failure either in hospital or in a heart failure clinic. Specialist nurses will usually see patients who have been admitted to hospital with heart failure and provide support and education before discharge. Patients will be offered review after discharge in their own home, hospital or community clinic. The specialist nurse team work closely with Consultant Cardiologists to provide an individual plan of care to support people to reduce cardiac risk and manage their condition at home wherever possible.
Heart failure rehabilitation aims to improve physical function, quality of life and self-management of the condition. It is delivered jointly with Butterwick Hospice in Bishop Auckland, St. Cuthbert’s Hospice in Durham, St. Theresa’s Hospice in Darlington and at Peterlee Community Hospital.
How to access our services
Our two main sites are Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. Some services are also provided at Bishop Auckland Hospital and Shotley Bridge Community Hospital.