The state-of-the-art echocardiogram machine at Wharfedale Hospital in Otley is making a huge difference to regional cardiac care.
This cardiac ultrasound machine already allows visiting sonographers and cardiologists from the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit to provide specialist care for adult patients in the Otley area.
And Leeds-based clinician Dr James Oliver says the service is planned to extend to younger patients in the coming months, and will then be used to diagnose and monitor patients of all ages.
Wharfedale Hospital in Otley, Leeds
Since October 2023, more than 400 adult patients attended clinics at Wharfedale Hospital.
Each clinic can accommodate up to 16 patients, where they have observations, cardiac ultrasound scans and a consultation, all on the same day.
Dr James Oliver, Lead Clinician for Congenital Cardiology at Leeds General Infirmary said:
“At the moment the Echo machine is used weekly on a Monday for an all-day clinic in adults. It means we can offer the same high standard of care to the patients we see in Otley as we do in LGI.
“Now that we have the machine in place, we hope to start running children’s clinics at Otley as well, which will be absolutely fantastic.”
This service is relieving the pressure to be seen for scans at Leeds General Infirmary, enhancing patient care and quality of life.
Dr Jan Forster, Consultant Congenital Cardiographer at Leeds General Infirmary said:
“We have limited space to perform the specialist echocardiograms at LGI to assess patients with congenital heart disease. Thanks to your donation, this new service allows a visiting team from Leeds to provide specialist care in a timely fashion in an accessible and convenient location.
“The echocardiogram allows us to diagnose and monitor heart conditions as part of the consultation.”
Pictured at Wharfedale L to R: Jo Birkett (Adult Congenital Nurse Specialist ), Jan Forster (Consultant Congenital Echocardiographer), Dr Ellie Joy (Consultant Adult Congenital Cardiologist)
Adult patients, such as Angela, who has been attending Wharfedale Hospital since the clinics started, have found the experience to be a positive one:
“Going to Wharfedale for clinic appointments is so convenient and in a lovely surrounding. It is so much easier to attend than the Leeds General Infirmary.
“I see the same doctor each time and I do not feel the appointments are rushed. The appointments are always on time too.”
This equipment has a life span of at least ten years, with the expectation it will be used progressively more over time.
This will be achieved with the gradual introduction of clinics for young patients and increased clinics for adult patients.
As the service progresses, it is expected that benefits will include – easing in waiting lists, reductions in missed appointments and improvements in wellbeing of patients through the provision of a local service.
This echocardiogram machine, comprising of a Philips EPIQ CVx cardiac ultrasound machine and an echocardiography couch, was only made possible by the support of a multitude of generous funders.
The funders included: Liz and Terry Bramall Foundation, Ilkley and District Round Table, Leeds Hospitals Charity, Take Heart and Yorkshire Children’s Hospital Fund.
Thank you so much for helping make such a difference.
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