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I have been a cardiac specialist nurse for over 25 years and for the last 20 I have specialised in cardiovascular research.

I am fortunate to have been able to be instrumental in developing the cardiac research department at King’s College hospital and latterly repeat this within the cardiovascular directorate at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital.

Since April 2019 I have been the Co R&D lead for the cardiovascular directorate. I currently manage a team of 16 nurses, practitioners, physiologists and study managers. My knowledge, commitment, enthusiasm and relevant experience ensures the research activity continues to grow and to deliver high quality research. This ultimately ensures that our patients of the future have access to high quality evidenced based treatments. Delivering high quality research that informs practice which improves patient outcomes is an overriding priority for me. 

Whilst the research department covers all aspect of cardiovascular disease my own personal interest is valvular heart disease In addition to being the lead research nurse I am also the lead nurse for structural heart disease.     I have been involved in TAVI since its inception and organised the first Edwards TAVI in the UK!   Lately my focus has moved more to percutaneous treatment for mitral regurgitation a field that is ever expanding with new devices.  One of the joys of working in research is the constant opportunity to learn about new potential ways of treating our patients. Having a role that is both research and clinical allows the research we perform to be fully integrated within our clinical services.

My other interest is education of our nurses and allied health professionals. I am on the programme committee for both EuroPCR and London Valve PCR and therefore able to influence the topics and activities we offer nurses and allied health professionals at these conferences.