Chest pain pathway
Date issued: February 2024
Review date: February 2026
Ref: D-408/GP/ED/Chest Pain Pathway
PDF: Chest pain pathway final February 2024.pdf [pdf] 111KB
Chest pain pathway
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After attending A&E with chest pain, you will have likely had several investigations. If no emergency abnormalities are found, you may be safely discharged home to return for review in the Medical Same Day Emergency Care Unit (SDEC) within 72 hours.
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Referral to Medical SDEC reduces the waiting time to see a specialist, for patients who do not require admission to hospital.
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Medical SDEC is a day unit, the majority of patients reviewed here do not need to stay overnight.
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Following discharge from A&E, you will be called by one of the Medical SDEC team to arrange an appointment date, please attend at 9am on this date.
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What to expect in Medical SDEC: you may require further tests and will be reviewed by a clinician. Depending on the likely cause of your symptoms, you will be seen either by the acute medical team, or cardiology (heart specialist) team. A plan regarding your ongoing care will be made following this. Patients usually remain in the department for a few hours on the day of their appointment.
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If you develop any new/concerning symptoms whilst awaiting your appointment in Medical SDEC, please seek urgent medical advice (via 111 or 999 dependent on the severity).
If you have any other questions about your appointment, please contact the Medical SDEC team using the number on the reverse of this leaflet.
Medical Same Day Emergency Care Unit (SDEC)
Level 6, Derriford Hospital
01752 433249
7.45am to 8pm
