Rosalie Magboo crowned cardiovascular nurse of the year
A nurse from Barts Health NHS Trust has been made cardiovascular nurse of the year at the 2021 British Journal of Nursing Awards.
Rosalie Magboo, a senior sister at St Bartholomew's Hospital, is recognised for her work to create a care bundle which helps to prevent atrial fibrillation (AF) after cardiac surgery, and for developing a tool that predicts when a cardiac surgical site infection may occur.
AF is a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate. This can be considerably higher than 100 beats a minute, which causes problems including dizziness, shortness of breath and tiredness.
It reduces the heart's efficiency and performance, which also happens when abnormal electrical impulses suddenly start firing in the heart's upper chambers.
The team, led by Rosalie, alongside consultant anaesthetist Dr Martina Buerge, implemented an 'AF after cardiac surgery strategy', or AFACS, to reduce the risk of AF developing after a patient had undergone cardiac surgery, with a particular focus on early reintroduction of beta-blockers.
Beta blockers can used to prevent AF by slowing down the heart and blocking the action of hormones like adrenaline.
Rosalie was also praised by the panel for her clinical research doctoral fellowship that explores the psychosocial effects of living with Marfan Syndrome (MFS) and for developing a research day for cardiothoracic surgery nurses and allied health professionals.
Professor Julie Sanders, director of clinical research at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, said: “I cannot commend Rosalie highly enough for her dedication to her patients, colleagues and profession.
“She has been a significant influence locally, nationally and internationally.
“To have achieved so much in 2020 is staggering and is testament to her continuous commitment to improving cardiac surgery patient care.”
The BJN Awards is a prestigious annual celebration that recognises excellence in nursing.
The BJN website states: "This award will be presented to a nurse who has achieved excellence, or shown a flair for innovation, and translated this into measurable improvement in patient care in the cardiovascular setting."
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