28th February 2025
The Rapid Access Angina Clinic (RAAC) within the Southern Health and Social Care Trust is providing timely cardiac care to younger patients for a condition which is often associated with the older population.
The RAAC is a regional specialist nurse-led service based at Craigavon Area Hospital, whose role it is to assess patients with suspected angina.
As part of Heart Health Month, the team want to raise and reinforce the message that they are there to provide accessible and comprehensive cardiac care to all patients, regardless of their age.
Michelle McEvoy, RAAC Chest Pain Nurse, said:
“Heart issues are not just an older person’s problem. Whilst angina is more common in older adults it is important that everyone prioritises their health heart. Unfortunately, we have seen a number of younger people in the clinic with suspected angina, which is best described as discomfort due to reduced blood flow to the heart.
“When they are referred to the RAAC, either by the GP or Emergency Department colleagues, they are triaged by the service and if they are assessed by our specialist team as needing our intervention, they will then be seen within a two-week period and / or put forward for further investigations if required, which will be tailored to each individual’s needs.”
Trudy Reid, Director of Medicine and Unscheduled Care, said:
“We have a very dedicated team of specialist heart nurses within out RAAC whose focus is on prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care and helping them live longer, healthier lives.”
