New heart valve clinic opens at West Mid

A new heart valve clinic has launched at West Middlesex University Hospital, offering Hounslow residents faster diagnosis and streamlined specialist care. The physiologist-led service aims to treat up to 500 patients annually to ensure earlier detection of heart disease.

The service, which opened last month, is expected to benefit 200–250 patients across both Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Mid in its first year.

Heart valve disease affects how blood flows through the heart and becomes more common with age. It is often silent in its early stages, progressing gradually until symptoms become severe. Heart valve disease affects around 2.5% of adults and more than 10% of people over 75.

Until now, many patients faced long waiting times and fragmented investigations. The Trust’s new Valve Clinic creates a streamlined, guideline-driven pathway, ensuring patients receive earlier assessment, structured surveillance, and timely referral for intervention.

The new model represents a forward-thinking approach to NHS workforce needs and supports national priorities for early diagnosis. Earlier assessment helps identify deterioration sooner, allowing intervention before symptoms worsen or lead to emergency hospital admissions.

Patient Mary J. O’Donoghue, one of the first to attend the clinic, praised the care she received: “I was reviewed at the valve clinic by Dr G. S. Kanaganayagam and Teresa Rutigliano, and I was extremely satisfied with the care I received. I felt well supported and reassured throughout my appointment. I will return in six months for further monitoring and additional care if needed.”