The cardiac physiology team at Great Western Hospital has been awarded the Cardiac Physiology Award of Excellence by University of Southampton.

The award recognises the team’s efforts in teaching and supporting healthcare scientist students.

Healthcare science staff play a vital role in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a number of cardiac conditions - and they help people live independent lives through rehabilitation.

The team was awarded the recognition of excellence as acknowledgement for their on-going work and commitment to the training of the future physiology workforce.

Physiology trainer Jane James said: “This was a whole team achievement and all staff were actively involved and engaged in our students, both assessing and supervising them to ensure they become the best cardiac physiologists they can be.

“We are so grateful to the University of Southampton for recognising the work we put in to supporting these students so that they can go on to exceed in a career in cardiology.”

Students studying for a degree in cardiac physiology complete an integrated training placement at the hospital and the trust supports them throughout the placement.

The trust’s work placement supervisors, assessors and mentors, coordinated the clinical placements.

The trust welcomed four students from the University of Southampton, one physiology apprentice from the University of the West of England and one master’s student from Manchester Metropolitan University to this year’s cohort.

Consultant cardiologist Paul Foley said. “We are all delighted to congratulate the team who make our department a special place to work and I am so glad they are getting the recognition they so deserve.

“The cardiac physiology department at GWH really is the jewel in the crown of cardiology.”