Everything you need before your appointment
Below you’ll find answers to the questions we’re asked most often, patient information sheets on our most common procedures, and the forms you’ll need for your first visit.
FAQs
Our answers here are general — for anything specific to your own situation, please raise it directly with your consultant.
What can I expect at my consultation?
Around 40 minutes with one of our consultants. We’ll discuss your symptoms, examine you, and in most cases record an ECG. We’ll talk through the likely diagnosis and any further tests needed — and there’s always time for your questions.
How do I choose my consultant?
Look for someone who listens, explains clearly, and helps you weigh up whether a procedure is right for you — having one isn’t always the best option. If you do go ahead, you want a consultant with strong experience in that specific procedure. It’s fair to ask about their level of specialisation, years of experience, number of procedures performed, and their success and complication rates.
Can I be seen on the NHS?
Yes — our NHS clinics are open to patients across the UK. Ask your GP to refer you to us at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Your referral letter (if we haven’t already received it), any previous ECGs or test results, hospital discharge summaries, a list of current medication, and — if you’d like — someone to accompany you.
How do I arrange an appointment?
For a private consultation, you can self-refer — sending us as much information as you can beforehand (previous test results, ECGs, discharge summaries) helps us make the most effective use of your consultation time. Contact our office to get things moving. If you’ve seen one of us before, you can book a follow-up directly, without a new referral. For an NHS appointment, we need a referral letter from your GP or specialist, which can be posted or emailed to us — contact our NHS secretaries to arrange this.
How long is the wait?
Usually within a week of us receiving your referral — it may take a little longer if you’d like to see a specific consultant.
Will I have to pay?
Most health insurers cover consultations and procedures — check your cover with them directly. If you don’t have insurance, we’re happy to give you a clear breakdown of costs when you contact us.
Procedure Information Sheets
Plain-language guides to seven of the procedures we perform most often, covering what the condition is, why it happens, and what to expect. These are a helpful starting point, not a replacement for your consultation.
- Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
- Catheter Ablation for Atrial Flutter
- Catheter Ablation for Ectopic Heartbeats
- Pacemaker and Atrio-Ventricular Node Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
- Catheter Ablation for Ventricular Tachycardia
- Catheter Ablation for Supraventricular Tachycardia
- Ventricular Stimulation Study
Ask us for a copy of any of these at your consultation, or contact our office and we’ll send one over.
Documents
A few forms need completing and bringing to your first appointment — our office will confirm exactly which ones apply to you. Our updated Patient Consent form and Patient Privacy Notice are currently being finalised; in the meantime, our office can send you the current versions directly.
- Patient Consent (for GDPR purposes)
- Patient Privacy Notice (for GDPR purposes)
Any questions about appointments, referrals or paperwork — our office team is on hand to help.
0121 446 1825 · office@bhrg.co.uk