Heart patients in Hounslow will soon be treated closer to home as West Middlesex Hospital expands its cardiology department.

The new service will mean people with heart conditions, as well as their family and friends, will no longer need to travel to neighbouring borough hospitals to receive diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.

The move is set to be a big benefit to people in the local community by improving patients' experience, who for years have been referred to other hospitals to get the right care for common heart conditions.

The first phase of the new service at the hospital on Twickenham Road in Isleworth will provide cardiac diagnostic tests and is due to open in late September this year.

Meanwhile the second phase to bring a full cardiac interventional treatment service to people in the borough will be up and running by early next year.

Work is currently underway in one of the hospital's converted operating theatres which is being turned into the new cardiac catheter laboratory.

Consultant cardiologist Dr Sadia Khan said: “Currently it is necessary to refer some of our patients to neighbouring hospitals for specialist diagnosis and treatment.

“With these exciting new developments we will be able to offer a full diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation service at West Middlesex University Hospital.”

Consultant cardiologist Dr Julian Collinson added: “This investment in cardiac services helps meet a key health need within the local population and will provide better outcomes and experience for our patients.”