People in Cork and Kerry with new, stable chest pain can now access quicker specialist assessment through a new Rapid Access Chest Pain Clinic at Cork University Hospital (CUH). The HSE South West service is designed to improve access to cardiology care, shorten waiting times and help prevent avoidable hospital admissions.
HSE South West launches faster chest pain assessment at CUH
The nurse-led clinic accepts referrals from GPs through Healthlink. It provides adults with stable cardiac chest pain with an early clinical review, access to diagnostic investigations and support with treatment planning.
The service is led by Advanced Nurse Practitioners Jennifer Aherne and Valerie Lynch, under the clinical governance of Consultant Cardiologist Dr Risteard O’Lionaird. Its approach aims to ensure patients receive the right level of care as quickly as possible.
Telephone triage helps prioritise patients
Telephone triage is now part of the referral process. This allows the clinical team to review referrals promptly, identify patients who need specialist input and reduce unnecessary journeys to hospital.
Patients requiring a face-to-face appointment are seen within 14 days. During the appointment, the team carries out a comprehensive cardiac assessment and works with consultant cardiology colleagues to arrange any necessary tests.
What the Rapid Access Chest Pain Clinic provides
The CUH clinic focuses on early assessment and practical support for patients and GPs. Its key functions include:
- Rapid access to specialist assessment for stable cardiac chest pain
- Early evaluation of symptoms and cardiovascular risk
- Timely access to appropriate diagnostic testing
- Prompt treatment planning and follow-up support
- Advice to help patients manage risk factors and protect long-term heart health
GPs can refer eligible adults with new, stable chest pain through Healthlink. The clinic is not a replacement for emergency care. Anyone experiencing sudden, severe or worsening chest pain, or symptoms such as breathlessness, sweating or collapse, should seek urgent medical assistance.
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Supporting better cardiovascular health in Cork and Kerry
In addition to investigating symptoms, the service supports patients in understanding and managing cardiovascular risk factors. This can help people make informed decisions about their health and access appropriate treatment before problems become more serious.
The launch forms part of wider efforts by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to provide more responsive, community-focused healthcare. By combining nurse-led assessment, consultant oversight and structured referral pathways, the clinic aims to make cardiology services easier to access for people across the region.
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What the new CUH clinic means for patients
The Rapid Access Chest Pain Clinic offers a clearer route from GP referral to specialist cardiac assessment. Faster reviews, coordinated investigations and advice on risk reduction can give patients greater reassurance while helping services use hospital resources more effectively.
For communities in Cork and Kerry, the new clinic represents an important improvement in access to timely cardiology care. Patients should contact their GP about new, stable chest pain and use emergency services for symptoms that may indicate an immediate cardiac emergency.
Article/Image Courtesy: HSE
