Colleagues in the Emergency Department, Acute Medicine, Cardiology and Biochemistry have been working together to devise a new pathway for Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) - meaning earlier result analysis and speedier discharges for patients.

Acute consultant, Dr Sarah Hoye, explained more: "The pathway has been revised as we are required to update the troponin* laboratory assay in line with Siemens provision. 

"A huge amount of effort and close working between all departments means we will have a safe, effective, evidence based method for patient flow. Particular thanks to Acute Medical Unit (AMU) consultant Dr Alexander Hashimi (pictured middle) and Cadiac Specialist Nurse Alison Eales (third from left) who have been key to making sure everything stayed on track for the launch."

It incorporates a high sensitivity troponin which will enable earlier result analysis and speedier discharges.

The changes will be instigated in phases – with stage one on Wednesday 8th May at 8am. This is when the new troponin will come into use – this has new units and different values for males/females.

Once the teams are used to this model, the next steps will be further time adjustments.

In brief - the salient points from Dr Sarah Hoye

  1. History of cardiac sounding chest pain is crucial to management
  2. No HEART score but remember risk factors
  3. Be aware of troponin timings
  4. New units
  5. Different parameters for males and females

Further support, guidance and education

  • Posters will be on display in ED’s, on Acute Floors, in Ambulatory Cares cross site and within Cardiology (see below)
  • The intranet pages will be updated with the information accessible at:
  • There will be education sessions delivered at Grand Round, Friday medical junior doctor teaching and Physician Associate Monday teaching.
  • There will be targeted nurse led teaching delivered by the Cardiology Specialist Nurse for all Acute areas

 Please try to attend one of these sessions. It is really important all medical staff are aware of the guideline changes.

*Troponin is a globular protein complex involved in muscle contraction. It occurs with tropomyosin in the thin filaments of muscle tissue.

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