Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has launched a new physiologist led valve clinic, offering patients faster access to specialist assessment, earlier diagnosis for heart valve disease. The service, which opened last month, is expected to benefit 200–250 patients across both Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital in its first year, increasing to 400–500 patients annually as capacity grows.
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. Early detection makes a significant difference to patient outcomes, preventing complications and ensuring timely treatment.
Heart valve disease is common, affecting around 2.5% of adults and more than 10% of people over 75. This equates to over 1.6 million people over 65 currently living with the condition nationally, with numbers projected to double by 2046 and rise further to 3.3 million by 2056.
Until now, many patients faced long waiting times, fragmented investigations, and variable followup. The Trust’s new Valve Clinic creates a streamlined, guideline-driven pathway, ensuring patients receive earlier assessment, structured surveillance, and timely referral for intervention when needed.
Patients using the clinic will benefit from shorter waiting times, fewer hospital visits, clear and consistent follow‑up plans, and continuity of care with specialist clinicians.
It represents a forward thinking approach to NHS workforce models and supports national priorities for early diagnosis and prevention.‑thinking approach to NHS workforce models and supports national priorities for early diagnosis and prevention.
Earlier assessment helps identify deterioration sooner and allows intervention at the optimal time, before symptoms worsen or complications such as heart failure or emergency hospital admissions occur.
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.”
Narayani Pai, Lead for Valve Clinic, Clinical Scientist & Chief Cardiac Physiologist said: “The new Valve Clinic allows us to detect and monitor heart valve disease earlier, supported by expert physiologists, ensuring patients receive the right care at the right time. It improves access, reduces delays, and supports better outcomes for our patients.”‑Led Valve Clinic allows us to detect and monitor heart valve disease earlier, ensuring patients receive the right care at the right time. It improves access, reduces delays, and supports better outcomes for our patients.”
