Description

Heart failure due to left ventricular systolic
dysfunction (LVSD) carries a high morbidity and
mortality. LVSD merits rapid, accurate diagnosis in
order to initiate evidence based management strategies.
The Darlington heart failure services model, part of the
South Durham Heart Failure Network, was devised
to overcome barriers to accurate diagnosis and effective
management of heart failure. It involves rapid
diagnosis of LVSD and ongoing heart failure
management. A weekly one-stop diagnostic clinic, run
by a GP specialist and a heart failure nurse, is jointly
funded by the PCT and the NHS Trust. If LVSD is
confirmed, a management plan is formulated which
includes patient education and initiation of evidencebased
therapy. The heart failure nursing service is
invaluable in bridging the gap between primary and
secondary care. Local guidelines, together with
continuing education of GPs and practice nurses, and
the new GMS contract, should further increase the
uptake of evidence-based therapies at target doses.