My Role As a CEIM by Richard Burt, Cardiac Physiologist

So, you’re a Nurse?

That’s a phrase a Cardiac Physiologist will hear most days. It is probably one of the least well-known roles within the NHS, however if you have a potential issue with your heart, they are one of the most common staff groups you come in contact with. Whether it’s a simple ECG or you are in the middle of a heart attack, one of us will be around somewhere.

Physiologists perform nearly all the diagnostics tests for investigations on your heart. We also have a large role in the care of patients with cardiac devices and electrical challenges with the heart.  Some of us will specialise in scanning the heart (echocardiography) and some work more closely with electrical issues. But we support most departments in hospitals and in the community.

In over twenty years of working in this field, I have seen massive changes. From Physiologists now being able to implant some monitoring devices to Consultant Cardiac Physiologists, the discipline has grown. Physiologists are now helping to shape the future of cardiac care.

During my time running a department and working outside the NHS, I have been actively involved in procurement and working with clinical teams to develop services. My role as a Clinical Engagement Implementation Manager (CEIM) allows me to do the same, across a much wider group. 

Engaging with clinicians, to help understand the challenges and hopefully provide some guidance on solutions is interesting for me. To focus on a few clinical areas and develop a high level of knowledge, was also one of the attractions to join NHS Supply Chain. The chance to provide a clinical voice back into the organisation, was also a key part of the role. 

Despite no longer being in frontline clinical activities, in my CEIM role I still actively engage with Physiologist’s on projects. This engagement also helps us stay up to date with the current and upcoming challenges in this dynamic clinical area.

We are currently undertaking a massive piece of work that examines product attributes across Cardiology, Neuromodulation, Interventional Radiology, and Neuroradiology. This will help us differentiate devices across suppliers. It will also allow us to make clear distinctions between products from multiple suppliers.

We also work very closely with NHS England on products for the Specialised Services Devices Programme (SSDP). We review and support the commercial teams with review devices on this programme. Working between suppliers and NHS teams to identify routes to develop both services and improve patient care, is perhaps the biggest thing my team are looking forward to at NHS Supply Chain.

The chance to develop my knowledge to a high standard, is a great opportunity too, especially with the combination of knowledge from both industry and NHS partners.

See our Useful Links section for more information on Specialised Services Devices Programme (SSDP).