Common questions about our services and echocardiograms
Yes. All Nene Valley Diagnostics echocardiograms are performed inside Northampton General Hospital, not in community rooms, mobile units, or portable setups. This hospital-based approach ensures the highest standards of care and immediate access to hospital facilities if needed.
No. Adults can book their own echocardiograms directly with Nene Valley Diagnostics without requiring a GP referral. This self-referral approach offers faster access and convenience. However, with your consent, we can share your report with your GP or consultant to ensure continuity of care.
No. We use hospital-grade Philips EPIQ echocardiography systems – the same equipment used in major cardiac centres. These are not portable or handheld machines.
It's important to understand that equipment quality directly impacts diagnostic accuracy. Portable and handheld echocardiography machines (often laptop-style devices on a base support) have inherent technical limitations. Don't let your health depend on a portable machine – image definition may not be sufficient for accurate diagnosis of subtle cardiac abnormalities.
Philips EPIQ systems provide superior image resolution, advanced imaging capabilities including 3D/4D imaging, and maximum diagnostic confidence. All our echocardiograms include 3D/4D images – we are the only local provider offering this service as standard.
Yes. All our echocardiograms include 3D/4D images – we are the only local provider offering this service as standard. 3D/4D echocardiography provides enhanced visualization of heart structures, allowing for more comprehensive assessment and improved diagnostic accuracy. This advanced imaging capability provides comprehensive assessment that portable machines cannot match. This advanced imaging capability is only available with hospital-grade equipment like our Philips EPIQ systems, not with portable machines.
Because scans are performed inside Northampton General Hospital, any urgent or unexpected findings can be rapidly escalated via hospital pathways. We can immediately refer to hospital cardiology specialists without delay, ensuring you receive appropriate care as quickly as possible.
Nene Valley Diagnostics is not a general insurance clinic. Insured access is available only via our partner consultant cardiologists who are recognised by major UK insurers. Standard access is through self-referral. If you have private health insurance and wish to use it, please discuss with your consultant cardiologist whether they can refer you to Nene Valley Diagnostics.
Yes. We provide specialist echocardiograms for athletes and sports people, including endurance athletes, competitive amateurs, team players, and those preparing for competitions. Our athlete scans assess heart structure, function, and athletic adaptations using hospital-grade Philips EPIQ systems.
We serve patients from across Northamptonshire, including Northampton, Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough, Daventry, Rushden, Brackley, Towcester, Higham Ferrers, Irthlingborough, Burton Latimer, Desborough, Rothwell, Raunds, Thrapston, Oundle, Wootton, Brixworth, Moulton, and surrounding villages. Our location at Northampton General Hospital provides convenient access for patients throughout the county.
A standard echocardiogram typically takes 25-45 minutes. This includes the scan itself and any necessary measurements. The procedure is painless and non-invasive. You can return to normal activities immediately after the scan.
No special preparation is usually needed. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment. Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to your chest area. The scan is performed while you lie on a bed, and gel is applied to your chest to obtain the images.
We offer flexible appointment times to fit around your busy schedule. Early appointments are available from 7AM up to late appointments up to 8PM, including weekends. This allows you to book your echocardiogram at a time that works best for you, whether that's before work, during your lunch break, after work, or on weekends.
Your detailed report is typically available within a few working days. Reports are shared with you and, with your consent, your GP or consultant. Any urgent findings are escalated immediately. The report includes comprehensive measurements, assessment of all cardiac structures, and clear interpretation.
Hospital system access: Your images and report will be in the hospital system, easy to compare with the next visits, available if you have an unfortunate visit to A&E, an inpatient stay, or simply an outpatient visit. This ensures hospital staff have immediate access to your cardiac assessment when needed.
Our service offers faster access without waiting for NHS referrals, self-referral availability, and the same hospital-grade equipment (Philips EPIQ) used in major cardiac centres. Scans are performed in the same hospital setting (Northampton General Hospital) with the same high standards. The main difference is access speed and the ability to self-refer.
Yes. We can perform a new echocardiogram to provide a second opinion or follow-up assessment. Our hospital-grade Philips EPIQ systems provide high-quality imaging that can complement or clarify previous results. This can be particularly useful for monitoring changes over time or obtaining more detailed imaging.
All echocardiograms are performed by our experienced Cardiac Clinical Scientist with BSc (Hons), MSc in Echocardiography, TTE (Transthoracic Echocardiography) & TOE (Transoesophageal Echocardiography) EACVI accredited. HCPC registered, with expertise in advanced echocardiography, stress echo, and structural heart procedures. Our clinical scientist has experience managing echocardiography departments at major hospitals. Our team works closely with consultant cardiologists for clinical oversight and expert interpretation.
Yes. Northampton General Hospital has parking facilities available. We recommend arriving a few minutes early to allow time for parking and finding the department. Detailed directions and parking information will be provided when you book your appointment.
Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. We understand that circumstances can change and will do our best to accommodate your needs. Please refer to our cancellation policy when booking.