Our team ensure that the Centre runs smoothly and efficiently. By working efficiently and attracting investment we have made sure that the best possible equipment is available to our patients. Because our team have a specific focus in helping AF patients our whole service is geared towards meeting your needs.
Claire Chitty
Arrhythmia Nurse Specialist
Claire is the Arrhythmia Clinical Nurse Specialist, and was appointed this role at The London Bridge Hospital in 2005.
She graduated as a Nurse in 1994, and has spent most of her career in Cardiac Nursing. Before coming to the London Bridge, she worked on cardiology and cardiac surgery wards, critical care and in out patient settings.
She joined London Bridge as Cardiac Ward Sister in 2001, taking specific responsibility for the Cardiac High Dependency Unit.
She is highly experienced in supporting patients prior to, and after ablations. She contacts all patients prior to admission for pre-assessment and is able to answer most questions and queries. she advises about specific needs such as medication, anticoagulation and aftercare. She sees all patients during their stay.
She is a British Heart Foundation Nurse, and a member of British Heart Rhythm Society, The British Cardiac Society and The Heart Rhythm Society. In 2010 she passed the Certification for Competency in Cardiac Electrophysiology for the Allied professional (IBHRE), still being the only nurse in the UK to hold this qualification.
Cardiac Physiologists
Role of the EP Cardiac Physiologist
A Cardiac Physiologist is a highly trained person who makes up an integral part of the Cath Lab team. Their understanding and interpretation of cardiac arrhythmias and with the skills to use state of the art cardiac mapping systems plays a fundamental role during complex electrophysiology (EP) cases. All our Cardiac Physiologists here at the London Bridge Hospital are IBHRE accredited ensuring the best quality Physiologist is with you during your procedure.
For all Cardiac EP cases the Cardiac Physiologists will be present throughout the whole procedure. They will begin by firstly preparing you (the patient) by placing a 12 lead Electrocardiogram (ECG); this will allow for continued monitoring of your heart rhythm throughout the procedure. Additional monitoring equipment will also be attached to you however, the extent of this will vary from case to case (up to an additional 6 electrodes can be added). After discussing the case with the Cardiologist who will be performing the procedure. The Physiologist will then prepare the equipment and catheters required for the case. During the procedure, the Physiologist will sit in the control room and will regularly communicate with the Cardiologist. During this time, they will be monitoring your ECG tracing whilst controlling the complex mapping system which allows the Cardiologist to create a 3D image of your heart.
After the procedure, the cardiac Physiologist, along with the rest of the Cath Lab team will remove all the monitoring equipment and prepare you to be transferred to the recovery suite.
Administration Team
Cristina Thorne
E: cristina.thorne2@hcaconsultant.co.uk
Sue Bicheno
E: Susan.bicheno@hcaconsultant.co.uk
T: 0207 234 2255
Helen Kitchener
E: helen.kitchener@hcaconsultant.co.uk
T: 0207 234 2641
