Have your say on Proposed changes to electrocardiogram, blood pressure monitoring and community based ultrasound in Lambeth

NHS Lambeth CCG is seeking views on some proposed changes to some types of tests or diagnostic services in Lambeth. The survey is open from 2 April 2019 and you can respond below.

Lambeth Council is hosting this survey on behalf of NHS Lambeth CCG.

Lambeth CCG wants to collect the views of people who have had one of these tests in diagnostic services and from members of the public who may not have used diagnostic services. Your views are important to us and will help us to plan the development of future services.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An ECG is a simple test that uses sensors attached to the skin to check heart rhythm and electrical activity. These signals are recorded by a machine which is looked at by a doctor to see if they are unusual. The test can be carried out by a trained healthcare professional in a hospital, at a clinic or at your GP surgery.

What are the changes NHS Lambeth CCG is seeking views on?

We are thinking about whether we can change the way the service is delivered to:

• Make it easier to access this service closer to where you live
• Ensure that you can still get an appointment quickly at a time that is convenient to you
• Make sure that the GP that referred you gets sent a full report on the findings from your test.

This will help your doctor understand how to plan the best care for you if your test results show a medical condition.

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (APBM)

A small digital monitor is fitted to a belt around the waist and connected to a cuff around the upper arm. Blood pressure can then be measured as you go about your everyday life. Monitoring your blood pressure can help a GP or specialist find out whether you have high blood pressure (hypertension) or another condition.

What changes is NHS Lambeth CGG seeking views on?

Some patients in the south east and south west of Lambeth, can have blood pressure monitoring done by their GP, but not all GPs in Lambeth do this.

People can also be referred to walk in clinics at Guy’s and St Thomas Hospital and Kings College Hospital. We want to make changes to the service so that:

• Any patient who needs mobile blood pressure monitoring can go and have the monitoring kit fitted at a GP practice or other healthcare centre within or close to their own neighbourhood.
• Patients can also still get an appointment quickly at a time that is convenient for them.
• Patients who have mobility difficulties can still get an accurate record of their blood pressure taken at home.
• We make sure that all patients who may have high blood pressure or other conditions are identified early so they can get the most benefit from the right treatment and care.

Community Ultrasound

A Trans-Vaginal ultrasound is a form of pelvic scan that examines the female reproductive organs. A doctor may refer you for a scan to assist in diagnosing a problem such as unexplained pain or bleeding but it is not used to scan for or during pregnancy.

What changes is NHS Lambeth CGG seeking views on?

If you are referred you can make an appointment to have your trans-vaginal scan at Clapham Family Practice or Gracefield Gardens in Streatham. Some patients may be referred for an appointment for their scan at Guys and St Thomas or Kings College Hospital.
We want to see if it is possible for people to walk in and have their scan on the same day without having to make an appointment.