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 a specialist cardiovascular rehabilitation dietitian currently based at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. I graduated from Cardiff Metropolitan University in 2021. My expertise lies in heart failure management and cardiac rehabilitation. In my current NHS role, I deliver specialist dietetic care across cardiac rehabilitation pathways.
I have always had a keen interest in nutrition and its role in medical management. Growing up with numerous allergies, I spent many hours in the kitchen learning how to adapt and adjust meals to suit different dietary needs. This experience has fuelled my passion for supporting my patients by providing them with the tools to make dietary changes.
I chose to join this subgroup because there is little clear guidance available on the dietary management of heart failure. This new BDA specialist group is an excellent way to support dietitians like me in research, networking, and clinical development. I am passionate about promoting the role of dietitians in cardiovascular disease and believe this group is the perfect place to start.
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.