Transoesophageal Echocardiogram (TOE) Discharge Advice

Introduction

You have had a Transoesophageal Echocardiogram (TOE). You may have had sedation (a drug which makes you feel comfortable and relaxed).

This leaflet tells you what to expect and who to contact if you have any questions or concerns when you go home.

If you have had sedation a responsible adult must take you home and stay with you for 24 hours.

How will I feel when I go home?

You may:

• feel tired for up to 12 hours
• have a sore throat for up to 36 hours.

You should:

• relax quietly at home for the rest of the day
• eat, drink and take any medications as normal unless your doctor has advised otherwise.

What activities should I avoid when I go home?

If you have had sedation the effect will stay with you for 24 hours so it is important you follow this advice.

Due to the effects of sedation, for the first 24 hours you:

• must not go back to work
• must not make any important decisions or sign any legal documents
• must not operate any machinery or electrical appliances
• must not drive a car, ride a bicycle or motorcycle. It is an offence to drive while unfit to do so because of drugs used during your sedation and it will probably invalidate your insurance policy
• must not supervise children
• must not drink alcohol
• must not take sleeping tablets or tranquillisers unless advised by your doctor
• must not go near open flames or sources of high heat
• must not lock your toilet or bathroom door in case you need any help
• should not smoke.

Will I need a follow-up appointment?

The results of the test will be sent to your doctor.  You may be sent an appointment through the post to come for a follow-up appointment with a cardiologist.

Your GP will also receive a copy of the results.

Contact numbers

If you need further advice, or have any problems please contact:

Cardiology Day Unit

Telephone: 01429 522020 or 01429 522021

Opening hours: 8:30am to 5:00pm (Monday to Friday)

Non-urgent messages can be left at any time on the answering machine.

(These are Hartlepool numbers but you will be diverted to North Tees).

Emergency Department

24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Telephone: 01642 382899

If you have any worries or concerns you should contact your GP during normal surgery hours. Outside surgery hours you should contact your GP’s surgery for the Out of Hours Service number.

Further information is available from:

NHS Choices

Telephone: 111 (when it is less urgent than 999).

Calls to this number are free from landlines and mobile phones or via the website.

British Heart Foundation

Greater London House

180 Hampstead Road

London

NW1 7AW

Telephone: 020 75554 0000

Heart Helpline: 0300 330 3311

Opening hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm (Monday to Friday)

British Society of Echocardiography

Docklands Business Centre

10 – 16 Tiller Road

London

E14 8PX

Telephone: 020 7345 5185

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]