Name
Sheena Vernon
Job Title
Adult Congenital Heart Disease Clinical Nurse Specialist
Interests / expertise / research in CHD
Sheena qualified as a nurse in Liverpool. After gaining ward experience, she completed the Intensive Care Course at The Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital. She took up a post in the cardiac surgery intensive care in Bristol. She worked as a Sister on the cardiac intensive care for a number of years.
In 2002 Sheena commenced as clinical nurse specialist in adult congenital heart disease at The Bristol Heart institute. She set up the nurse specialist service providing clinical advice support to patients, families and colleagues. The role involved setting up the pre-assessment service, setting up young people’s clinics for patients transferring to the adult service, including annual young people’s clinics in the peripheral clinics. Clinical work included supporting patients undergoing cardiac surgery, cardiology procedures, patients with learning disabilities, complex pregnancy, end of life care and transition. Sheena set up Nurse Led follow-up clinics in 2012.
Current role and experience
Sheena is passionate about educating staff on the care of patients with congenital heart disease and began the regional annual adult congenital heart disease training days, which have run for fifteen years - average attendance is 80 delegates. She presents regularly nationally on Adult Congenital Heart Disease and has published articles. Sheena completed her Masters in Advanced Nursing Practice in 2010.
In 2011 Sheena represented the RCN sitting on the ACHD Clinical Advisory Group for writing the CHD standards. Followed, in 2013 by sitting on the New Congenital Heart Disease Review group also representing the RCN. Prior to this work she was an External Reference Group Member for 'A commissioning guide for services for young people and Grown Ups with Congenital Heart Disease (GUCH)' Department of Health in 2006.
Sheena is a member of the British Adult Congenital Cardiac Association and was president of the group for five years commencing in 2008.
Interests outside of work
Sheena enjoys a busy social life with her children and husband, her friends and her church in Bristol. She enjoys swimming, the cinema, eating out, reading and BBC period dramas!
