Award win for cardiac physiologists

The Guy’s and St Thomas’ Cardiac Physiology team won the 'Science Driving Innovation in Healthcare Delivery Award' at this week’s Chief Scientific Officer’s Awards.

This prestigious accolade recognises the work that cardiac physiologist Susie Mathieson and her team have done in the last 18 months to redesign the way implantable loop recorders are used. This used to be an inpatient procedure done in the cardiac cath labs by a doctor, but is now an outpatient procedure undertaken by appropriately trained physiologists.

A team of three physiologists has now implanted more than 250 devices. Patients now spend an average of 90 minutes in the department which has significantly improved the patient experience. It has also freed up inpatient beds and cath lab capacity for other more complex procedures.

Mark Squirrell, Principal Cardiac Physiologist, said: “This is fantastic recognition for the work of Susie Mathieson and our team of physiologists. Not only has the change resulted in a more efficient service, but it has improved the quality of care for our patients.”

Two other members of staff at Guy’s and St Thomas’ were finalists in the ‘Science and Engineering Engagement Award’ category of this week’s Chief Scientific Officer’s Awards – Sarah Allen, Head of Nuclear Medicine Physics, and Richard Fernandez, a clinical scientist.