Patients wait for cardiology care amid growing concerns
For people with heart conditions, timely access to cardiology specialists isn’t a luxury—it’s a matter of health and peace of mind. The case of 58-year-old Scott McKenna, who learned seven years after first experiencing chest pain that he has heart failure, highlights the emotional and physical toll of long waiting times for specialist assessment and treatment.
The human impact of delayed cardiology appointments
Mr McKenna, from Scarborough, says he lives with a constant fear that a heart attack could strike at any moment while he waits for a hospital appointment. He describes a relentless sense of uncertainty about the right next steps for his care, including what medications he might need now. His experience illustrates a broader issue: many patients waiting for cardiology services face not only medical risk but profound anxiety as symptoms persist or worsen without expert guidance.
From initial symptoms to a formal diagnosis
Mr McKenna first reported chest pain, shortness of breath, and leg swelling in 2018, prompting GP referrals and hospital tests. It was not until February 2025 that he learned he has heart failure, information that arrived after years of unclear test results. The delay between initial symptoms and a definitive condition can complicate treatment planning and prognosis, leaving patients unsure about the best course of action.
System pressures and the reality of waiting times
Recent NHS figures indicate significant variation in how quickly patients begin treatment after referral. At York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, more than half of cardiology patients were waiting longer than recommended to start treatment. The official target is for 92% of non-urgent patients to begin initial treatment within 18 weeks of referral, but data from August showed only 45% meeting this benchmark, compared with the England average of 61%.
What the delays mean for patients and clinicians
Experts emphasize that longer waits can lead to permanent heart damage or poorer outcomes. Ruth Goss, a senior cardiac nurse with the British Heart Foundation, points out that extended delays can impact both physical health and mental well-being, potentially exacerbating anxiety and lowering quality of life. For patients, the risk is double-edged: untreated symptoms may progress, while the psychological load of uncertainty can be taxing on daily living.
The NHS response and ongoing challenges
Trust spokespeople acknowledge that the pandemic, along with industrial actions, has stretched waiting times. They stress that prioritisation is based on clinical need and that efforts are underway to reduce delays, especially for routine referrals. While apologies are offered for the inconvenience and worry, patients are urged to monitor their symptoms and inform their GP if there are changes or if health deteriorates.
What patients can do while awaiting care
Experts advise patients to document symptoms, keep a written log of chest pains, breathlessness, fatigue, and swelling, and seek urgent help if new or worsening signs arise. If a patient’s condition changes, contacting the GP promptly can help re-evaluate the urgency of cardiology referral. Mental health support can also be important, as prolonged waiting can take a toll beyond physical symptoms.
Looking forward: balancing demand with timely care
Addressing delays in cardiology requires systemic changes, including resource adjustments, prioritisation protocols, and clear communication with patients about timelines and risks. The goal is to protect heart health while reducing the anxiety that accompanies uncertainty. As this issue persists, patient stories like Mr McKenna’s underscore the real-world consequences of a system stretched by demand and disrupted by external pressures.
