Cardiologist and Physician for over 20 Years

Dr Allan Harkness, Consultant Cardiologist

My practice covers the whole spectrum of adult cardiology including chest pain, breathlessness, heart failure, high blood pressure, cholesterol, murmurs, blackouts and palpitations. I trained as a Cardiologist and Physician in Glasgow and London, including such leading centres as The Heart Hospital and The Royal Free Hospital.

As a Consultant accredited in both Cardiology and General Medicine, I offer a more holistic review when considering problems that may be related to your heart.

Patient safety is my top priority and I continually look to improve my practice and the standards of care of my team. This is reflected in my patient feedback.

Leading Services Across Essex and Suffolk

I have played a leading role in the development of Cardiac Services across Essex and Suffolk. I have been a Consultant Cardiologist at Colchester Hospital since 2006 and at the Essex Cardiothoracic Centre since it opened in 2007.

In 2010, I became the Clinical Lead for Cardiology at Colchester Hospital. In this role, I developed Colchester’s cardiac services extensively, leading on valve clinics, heart failure services, MRI compatible pacemakers, stress echo, transoesophageal echo, 3D echo and CT coronary angiography.

In 2017, I was appointed Divisional Director for Medicine and Emergency Care for Colchester Hospital. I served two three-year terms of office, covering the merger with Ipswich Hospital and the Pandemic. In 2023, I was appointed Deputy Associate Medical Director for Patient Safety.

I am a principal member of the Education Committee of the British Society of Echocardiography, lecturing at national training programmes. In the last ten years, I have co-authored over a dozen national guidelines on echocardiography. I developed the BSE app EchoCalc for Android and iPhone – a reference guide for cardiac physiologists worldwide. In 2019, in recognition of my contribution to education, research, leadership, volunteering and national reputation, I was awarded Fellowship of the British Society of Echocardiography. In 2021, in recognition of my service and contribution to the advancement of echocardiography, I was awarded the BSE Lifetime Achievement Award.

Arranging a Consultation

I see patient from across Essex and Suffolk. My private practice is at:

To arrange a consultation with me, contact my private practice secretary, Claire Osborne, at the Oaks – see contacts.