Project Name: High Risk Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) Secondary prevention Clinic – Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Project Summary:

The CWP is structured such that a Band 8A Clinical Pharmacist will provide tailored care for patients who have experienced an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) event, to improve patients' outcomes by optimising medications.

The aim of this project is to deliver an in-house secondary care service to improve delivery of NICE approved therapies to optimise secondary prevention and reduce risk of ischaemic events in high-risk ACS patients by utilising the approved NICE therapies and following the NEELI Guidance.

Objectives of the CWP are:

  • Optimise lipid management among patients with hypercholesterolaemia who are statin intolerant or despite statin therapy are not meeting NICE/NEELI defined low non-HDL targets. Assess and offer lipid lowering medicines to eligible patients in line with NICE and NEELI guidance.
  • Provide patient tailored support and education to promote adherence with treatment and optimisation of non-HDL levels.
  • Reduce readmissions of high risk ACS patients  

Expected Benefits:

Patient Benefits

  • Improved access to lipid management care leading to optimal diagnosis and management of ASCVD treatments.
  • Enhanced experience around ASCVD with ongoing management of the condition.
  • Improved access to appropriate medication for suitable patients to preserve health and prevent long-term events or mortality.
  • Easier access to lipid management and specialist clinic.

NHS Benefits

  • Increased proportion of ASCVD patients receiving expert care in speciality clinic. Reduction in ASCVD referral rates to secondary care post discharge
  • Increased proportion of patients receiving guideline-directed pharmacotherapy
  • Provide patient tailored support and education to promote adherence with treatment and optimisation of non-HDL levels.

Novartis Benefits

  • Insight on the appropriate use of ASCVD licensed medicines in line with NICE guidelines, including Novartis’s medicines
  • Enhanced reputation, and supporting Novartis’ vision that no patient should have to wait for an extraordinary life, by supporting high quality Collaborative Working with healthcare organisations which addresses the problem of health inequalities   
  • Ethical, professional, and transparent relationship between Novartis and the Healthcare Organisation 

Start Date & Duration: January 2023– 33 months with 24 months clinical activity

FA-11445927 | June 2025

Project Name: High-Risk Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) Secondary Prevention Clinic – Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Partner Organisation(s): Newcastle-Upon-Tyne NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust

Completion Date: October 2025

Outcome Summary: 

The Collaborative Working Project successfully enabled a new pharmacist-led Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) service, delivering the following:

  • Over 825 patients were reviewed, 625 patients more than anticipated, focusing on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment and optimisation of lipid‑lowering therapy.
  • The service provided patient counselling, and structured follow-up.
  • Established a clear clinical pathway for the management of high‑risk ACS patients.
  • Created and maintained a comprehensive database of all patients.

Outcomes: 

Established in 2023, the pharmacist‑led clinic operated two face‑to‑face and two telephone clinics each week. The service was delivered by a clinical pharmacist who was able an independent prescriber and able to prescribe the full range of NICE‑recommended lipid‑lowering therapies. Patient management followed current local and national guidelines.

Patients were prioritised by individual CVD risk. The service was staffed by one pharmacist for 37.5 hours per week (five working days) with nursing support provided for the administration of injectable therapies. 

At follow‑up, lipid‑lowering therapies were reviewed every three months to assess adherence, adverse effects, and efficacy, informed by updated lipid profiles. At each visit, progress towards secondary prevention targets was evaluated (LDL‑C < 1.8 mmol/L or non‑HDL cholesterol ≤ 2.5 mmol/L). Where targets were not achieved, further treatment optimisation was undertaken in line with current guidelines and patient agreement.

Conclusion: 

This Novartis collaborative working partnership effectively established a new pharmacist-led service and referral pathway for high-risk ACS patients at Newcastle‑Upon‑Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Led by a clinical pharmacist, the service proactively identified high‑risk ACS patients and delivered guideline directed lipid optimisation through a combination of face‑to‑face and telephone clinics.

In addition, the clinic has raised awareness within the Integrated Care Board, leading to system-level changes that ensure patients can continue treatment in the community.

These outcomes will be presented to the Trust to support a case for permanent funding and long‑term integration of the service into routine care.

FA-11634960 | April 2026