Chair
Dr Tom Butler
I am a senior lecturer in nutritional science at Edge Hill University, a registered nutritionist with the Association for Nutrition and Registered Dietitian with the HCPC. I have held various academic dietetic positions including programme lead for the BSc Nutrition and Dietetics Programme at the University of Chester between 2017-2020.
In 2012 I completed my PhD at the University of Hull, examining the role of fat and sugar in the hypertrophied heart in terms of function and metabolic profile. It was actually this area of research that really sparked my interest in nutrition and cardiovascular health and disease.
I am the lead for the diet working group within the British Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (BACPR), as well as the scientific officer for the organisation. I am also a member of Association of Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professions (ACNAP) taskforce for allied professions, and a member of Heart UK's Medical Scientific and Research Committee.
My research interests are broadly focused on nutrition and cardiovascular health, including both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, and I have a special interest in heart failure (for which there is very little specific nutritional advice).
I hold various honorary positions with NHS trusts were I support cardiovascular rehabilitation teams with the dietary component of their programmes.
As chair of the Cardiovascular Specialist Group I am keen to grow membership numbers and support dietitians wanting the specialise in this area. It is my aim to develop and grow links with other UK and European organisations, creating a network of expertise and knowledge that will ultimately benefit all members.
Secretary
Helena Davies
I am currently working as a Dietitian in South Wales.
I studied at Cardiff Met and graduated in 2021. I have always had a keen interest in nutrition and its role in medical management. Growing up with lots of allergies, I have spent many an hour in the kitchen learning how to adapt and adjust meals to suit different dietary needs. This is something I’m keen to support my patients with, giving them the tools to make changes.
My current role involves developing and integrating dietetic education into a specialist Heart Failure Cardiac Rehabilitation service targeted at newly diagnosed HF patients. As the Dietitian within this team I offer tailored, patient centred education alongside, and in partnership with the MDT to optimised cardiac rehab for this demographic as part of the MDT we provide integrated and specialist care within the community, allowing patients to access rehab in their own community, ensuring care is closer to home. Our area sees a lot of variation in patient demographics both from a socio-economic stance and from a medical status, complex consideration is essential for delivering optimal care. Mine is a unique role and it is great to see the impact small changes can make to patients and their experience during a turbulent time.
With very little clear guidance available on dietary management of heart failure, this new BDA specialist group is a great way to support dietitians like me new to a role within CVD and support development.
Outside of my dietetic job I am a proponent of being an active member in our professional association. The BDA is its membership. I love volunteering as it’s a means to influence change and development for the greater good. I’m also a keen traveller and love exploring. Being a bit of a foodie can be hard when away from home, but I don’t let this hold me back. I’m always up for an adventure and if I can eat great food on the way, even better. I’d love to help share my own journey into cardiology and support dietitians like me who are keen to develop and explore this under-represented area of dietetics.
Treasurer
Julie Hinchcliffe
I graduated with a PGDip in Nutrition and Dietetics at Leeds Met University.I have over 15 years’ experience working in cardiovascular rehabilitation at Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust developing the weight management and dietary component of the service to BACPR standards and national guidelines.
I am an active member of the British Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (BACPR) and BACPR Diet Working Group and enjoy being involved with research and audits. I strive to promote the role of the dietitian in cardiovascular rehab and the benefits that our profession can bring to the multi-disciplinary team, patients and their families.