Currently, only RIE is operating a walk-in service. All other centres require the patient to phone first to arrange an appointment. Details are on the updated 2023 referral form below, which the patient must bring with them. Please note a barcoded patient label or minimum dataset is requested to enable patient identification.
ECG referral form GP ECG Referral Form 2023.doc
Any patient who needs a Cardiology or medical assessment, or has active chest pain of suspected cardiac origin should not be sent for a direct access ECG.
At present the following sites accept referrals for direct access ECG
- RIE
- WGH
- Leith CTC
- East Lothian Community Hospital
- St. John’s Hospital
- The Royal Hospital for Children and Young People
C.W & C.S 25-07-23
How ECGs are reported.
Royal Infirmary Edinburgh
- ECGs are checked by a senior Cardiac Technician and any significant abnormalities discussed with the Cardiology Registrar before the patient leaves the department.
Western General Hospital
- The ECG has a computer generated result. Any significant abnormalities are discussed with medical staff before the patient leaves the department. In general there is no doctor reviewing ECGs
Leith Community Treatment Centre
- ECGs are checked by a trained technician. Significant abnormalities will be reported to the GP and/or the Cardiology Registrar at RIE. The patient may be transferred to WGH/RIE if appropriate. In general there is no doctor reviewing ECGs
East Lothian Community Hospital / Roodlands
- ECGs are checked by a trained technician. Significant abnormalities will be reported to the GP and/or the Cardiology Registrar at RIE. The patient may be transferred to WGH/RIE if appropriate. In general there is no doctor reviewing ECGs
St John’s Hospital
- The Senior Cardiac Technician reviews the ECG. If there are no significant abnormalities, the patient takes the recording to the requesting GP. If a significant abnormality is observed, medical staff will be alerted and/or the patient will be transferred to the Emergency Department for assessment. In general there is no doctor reviewing ECGs
