The clinic could treat 600 patients

The 12-month pilot project at the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham cost �50,000 to set up and is one of the first of its kind in the UK.

The nurse-led clinic will treat previously admitted patients who have been identified as at risk of further heart attacks.

They will be given advice on lifestyle changes to avoid future heart problems.

It is hoped the clinic will treat and rehabilitate about 600 patients from the Nottingham area who are at risk of having a major heart attack.

Jacqui Nainby, cardiac specialist nurse in charge of the clinic, said: "There is a 50% chance of having a severe heart attack within six months of being discharged from hospital."

She added: "It will undoubtedly imrpove the patient pathway as it will cut the time these patients have to wait for a follow-up appointment by around 75% - reducing the risk that they will go on to suffer severe heart attacks while waiting to be seen."