Edinburgh Napier University

Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, Jenni Minto MSP has received an insight into the work of Edinburgh Napier’s Centre for Cardiovascular Health during a recent visit to the University’s Sighthill campus.

Met by Professor Alison Machin, Dean of the School of Health and Social Care and Professor Lis Neubeck, Head of the Centre for Cardiovascular Health, the Minister heard from several of the Centre’s members, learning more about the innovative research being led by the Centre to improve global cardiovascular health.

The group visit, which also included short presentations by Professor Cathal Breen, Professor Lois McKellar, Dr Coral Hanson, Professor Peter Barlow and Dr Amanda Pitkethly, shone a spotlight on the interdisciplinary nature of the Centre’s work as it strives to bridge the evidence-practice gap through patient involvement and implementation science.

The group also shared more on how the Centre’s work is aligned with Scottish Government priorities to minimise preventable heart disease and to ensure timely access to diagnosis treatment and care for people affected in Scotland.

The new specialist heart clinic at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, which aims to improve treatment of a cardiac condition which main affects women, was also discussed at the meeting. The new clinic has been shaped by Professor Lis Neubeck’s research into those affected by the condition.

To end her visit, the Minister also received a short tour of Edinburgh Napier’s Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre – the University’s purpose-built facility for health simulation and clinical skills training.

Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, Jenni Minto MSP said: “I was pleased to visit the Centre for Cardiovascular Health at Edinburgh Napier University, to learn about the important work and research underway. This includes the expansion of education around women’s health, the evaluation of physical activity referral initiatives and the piloting of a Scottish service for patients who have experienced a Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection.

“All of this aligns closely with the vision set out by our Heart Disease Action Plan, and Women’s Health Plan. The Scottish Government are grateful to the Centre for Cardiovascular Health for all of the work that they do to support the provision of timely and equitable care for people with heart disease in Scotland.”  

Professor Lis Neubeck said: “We were delighted to host Ms Minto at Edinburgh Napier University. This was a fantastic opportunity to highlight the work that the Centre for Cardiovascular Health is doing to address challenges in cardiovascular health and to support delivery of the Heart Disease Action Plan.”

The Centre for Cardiovascular Health at Edinburgh Napier University is a multidisciplinary research and education centre committed to improving global cardiovascular health.

Its research themes aim to address individual health, familial and social networks, community and system barriers, and inform policy and guidelines. In particular, its research covers: AI Data Science and Advanced Technologies, Digital Health, Physical Activity and Lifestyle, Education and Workforce Development, and Heart Conditions.