Our team of adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) nurse specialists offer support to our patients and their families. Their role includes:
- Providing continuing support, advice and information to patients and families.
- Providing a smooth transition from children's to adult care.
- Working closely with other professionals in the community, eg: learning disability professionals, children's heart specialists, heart rehabilitation and psychology teams.
- Providing an ongoing education programme for nursing staff who are involved in the care of our ACHD patients.
- Maintaining high quality and standards of care at all times.
Nursing team
Alex Corless
Alex Corless, ACHD deputy clinical nurse specialist
Job title: ACHD deputy clinical nurse specialist
Biography: Alex qualified in 2014 as a mature student. He has several years experience working in care, with groups ranging from children with learning disabilities through acute cardiology and nursing homes. Since qualifying Alex worked as a staff nurse on the Cardiology Ward at St Thomas’ Hospital before transitioning to the ACHD team in June 2016.
Education and training: MSc adult nursing (2016), PG Diploma adult nursing (2014).
Specialist interests: atrial fibrillation.
Hajar Habibi
Hajar Habibi - ACHD clinical nurse specialist
Job title: ACHD clinical nurse specialist
Biography: Hajar previously worked at the Royal Brompton Hospital before joining our ACHD team in 2011.
Education and training: MSc cardiorespiratory nursing, Imperial College London (2010).
Specialist interests: Transition of young adults to adult services.
Research interests: psychological aspects of congenital heart disease.
Heather West
Heather West - ACHD clinical nurse specialist
Job title: ACHD clinical nurse specialist
Biography: Heather qualified as a nurse in 1995, and joined our cardiovascular nursing team in 2000. In 2006 Heather became a clinical nurse specialist in ACHD. Following a short career break, she expanded her experience working in the heart failure and cardiac rehabilitation teams before returning to the ACHD team.
Education and training: completed a BSc (2004) and worked as a nurse care manager with surgeons, working to reduce waiting times, cancellations and improve patient experience.
Specialist interests: pregnancy and heart disease.
Rachel Witts
Rachel Witts
Job title: ACHD clinical nurse specialist
Biography: Rachel qualified as a nurse in 2003. Before joining our team in 2013, she worked in intensive care for children with congenital heart disease.
Education and training: BSc Hons adult nursing (2003); PGDip in children's nursing (2012).
Specialist interests: special and additional needs in ACHD.