Dr Allan Harkness

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:

• The Oaks Hospital, Colchester, Essex

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