Meet our healthcare scientists: Hannah Capper | News

This week is Healthcare Science Week (10-16 March) and we are celebrating the vital role of healthcare scientists at Royal Surrey.

Healthcare science is at the cutting edge of innovation, shaping technological advances to address evolving health challenges and, ultimately, makes a significant positive impact on patient care.  

To mark the week, Royal Surrey’s Senior Cardiac Physiologist Hannah Capper talks about her role.

What is a Cardiac Scientist?

We work closely with cardiology consultants and specialist nursing teams to perform and support cardiac diagnostics, manage patients with suspected heart conditions and implanted devices, such as pacemakers and implantable defibrillators. 

We also remotely monitor patients with implanted devices to reduce their hospital visits while providing a higher level of care. Being able to monitor patients’ devices remotely means we can react quickly if their condition changes. 

How did you train for it?

I completed a BSc in Clinical Physiology (Cardiology) through an apprenticeship with St George’s University of London, while working full time at Royal Surrey. I was then offered a permanent role within the team on completion of my apprenticeship.

What are some of the day-to-day tasks involved in your role?

My role can vary across the week, from performing 12-lead ECGs and exercise tolerance testing, to assisting with angiograms and pacemaker implantation in the Cardiac Cath Lab. 

What is the best bit of your job?

Knowing the work we do directly impacts patients' health, whether it's detecting an arrhythmia or making sure a pacemaker is functioning properly, it is rewarding to know my skills can make a difference. I am also very lucky to be surrounded by a close-knit team to offer support when needed. 

What would surprise people about it?

Many people have never heard of a cardiac physiologist, in fact there is a national shortage! And we have the ability to control, start and stop a patient’s heart rhythm! 

What would you say to people thinking about going into this profession?

Cardiac physiology is a great profession with many opportunities for progression in different areas. We work also closely with many other professions including MRI, oncology, and radiotherapy, so no two days are the same.

Why are you proud to do this job?

Heart disease is one of the biggest health challenges worldwide, and I am proud to be able to apply my skills to contribute to the patients' journey and help aid diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions, and support the wider team that I work within.