Recruitment guide p10-11
6/4/17
15:04
Page 2
C A R D I O LO GY
Cath Lab Practitioner has variety of roles EMMA Timbers, pictured, enjoys the variety of her role in Cardiology where she deploys her expertise in a number of key areas. Her primary role is as a Band 6 Radiographer in the Cardiac Cath Lab, using diagnostic imaging equipment to visualise the chambers and arteries of the heart. Nursing is an extension of the role so she also works on the wards and act as a scrub nurse for cath labs for diagnostic angiograms, angioplasties, pacemaker insertions and electrophysiology procedures. She can also circulate to give patients pain relief and sedation while also taking care of them pre-and post-procedure. “A Cath Lab Practitioner can be an effective team player in
the Cardiac Cath Lab, especially with the demands that are placed on present-day health care delivery,” said 37-year-old Emma who has a degree in Radiology. “The variety is great. I could be involved in patient education, giving moderate sedation, management of cath sites or the continuity of care of patients. I find that I can help my colleagues and I have also learned a lot more about the different aspects and specialities that all come together in the Cardiac Cath Lab.” Emma’s varied way of working has proved highly beneficial and the Norfolk and Norwich NHS Trust is keen to develop and expand it to other members of staff.
Lead on coronary care Cath Lab Sister Michelle Perry talks with patient David Brooks.
NNUH is renowned as a leading centre for cardiac care. The hospital is a designated heart attack centre for East of England serving around one million people. Specially-trained nurses deliver high quality care in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU), Kilverstone Ward and the Cardiology Elective Bay. Each year the 12 consultant cardiologists attend to patients with a variety of problems including palpitations, angina, heart failure, narrowed or leaky valves, blackouts and murmurs. As well as the Consultants there is a part-time Professor of Cardiology. The Consultant Cardiologists carry out various procedures including Cardiac Catheterisation, Angioplasty, Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PPCI), Permanent Pacemaker and CRT Insertion, Internal Cardioverta
Defibrillator Insertion, Loop Recorder Insertion and Electrophysiology Study. Cath Labs play a key role in the Cardiology department as specialised “theatre” areas where angiograms, PCI and pacemaker programmes are carried out. Cardiology works closely with the Norfolk Heart Trust which has raised around £2 million to improve cardiology services in Norfolk. The Trust has enabled the development of the PCI service, and has also helped fund staff training. The NNUH Cardiology department has several nurse-led services including Elective Cardioversions, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Techniques and clinics for Syncope. Our nurses work closely with doctors and administrative staff to plan procedures and run services.
WISH YOU WERE HERE...
11