Straight answers to what patients ask most about booking, treatment and fees. Can’t find yours? The PA team is glad to help.
Request an appointment online and it goes straight to Professor Finlay’s PA, Ms Kitti Katona. She’ll call you back, usually the same working day, to confirm the details, arrange the best clinic or a video consultation, and take payment to secure your slot.
Yes. Many consultations, including second opinions and follow-ups, work well over video. If a hands-on examination or a specific test is needed, the PA will let you know when booking.
Most patients hear back from the PA the same working day, and same-week appointments are often available, whether in the clinic or by video.
Please bring any recent ECGs, monitor results, or hospital letters, along with an up-to-date list of your current medications. If you are using private medical insurance, please have your policy number and pre-authorisation code ready.
Yes. Professor Finlay sees NHS patients at Barts Heart Centre. Your GP can refer you directly via the NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS); this route doesn’t go through the PA’s private booking line.
Not for a private consultation. Any relevant history or previous cardiac test results are helpful to bring along, but you can book directly without a GP referral.
In most cases, yes. Professor Finlay is recognised by all major UK private health insurers. However, policy terms vary, so you must contact your insurer beforehand to confirm your specific cover limits and obtain a pre-authorisation code.
Yes, self-pay patients are welcome. A new appointment is £400 and a follow-up appointment is £250. Fees for any tests or procedures are confirmed separately, and a full fee schedule is available on request.
It’s the newest ablation technology for atrial fibrillation, using targeted electrical pulses rather than heat or cold. Professor Finlay was among the first specialists in the UK to offer it, and will advise whether it’s suitable for you during consultation.
It depends on your type of AF. Success is generally higher for paroxysmal AF (which comes and goes) than for persistent AF (which is constant), and Professor Finlay will talk you through what to expect for your specific case rather than a single generic figure.
AF ablation is a well-established, generally safe procedure. Minor risks include bleeding or bruising at the catheter site; serious complications are uncommon, and death is a very rare outcome. Professor Finlay discusses your individual risk profile before any decision is made together.
Most catheter ablations and heart rhythm procedures are performed as day cases, allowing you to return home the same day. You will need 2 to 3 days of quiet rest at home, with most patients returning to work and normal light routines within a week.
Speak to Professor Finlay’s PA, Ms Kitti Katona, she can answer most questions straight away.
