Dear ACTSCP Members

I am honoured to introduce myself as your newly elected President of the ACTSCP, an organisation that I have been dedicated to since 2008. It is a privilege to lead an association with such a respected legacy and promising future, and I look forward to working with each of you to continue building on our shared goals and values.

With nearly two decades of experience as a Surgical Care Practitioner, I specialise in both adult and paediatric cardiac surgery. Currently, I serve as a Senior Surgical Care Practitioner at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London. Over the years, I have committed myself to the advancement of our profession, and I am passionate about expanding opportunities for education, certification, and professional growth for SCPs in our field.

Qualifications

• BSc Honours in Adult Nursing

• Surgical Care Practitioner,  Part 1 & 2 (2006) from Greenwich University

• RCSEd SCP Exit Exam (2008), completed at Papworth, Cambridge

• Advanced Clinical Assessment Skills (2008), MSc Level, King’s College London

• Non-Medical Prescribing (2018), MSc Level, King’s College London

Current and Previous Positions

• ACTSCP Paediatric Chair from 2012 to 2024

• Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) SCP Exit Examiner since 2021

• SCTS NAHP Cardiac Unit Representative for Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust since 2021

• Speaking Up Champion for Cardiac Surgery at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust since 2022

Professional Profile

My clinical work has always been guided by a dedication to patient safety, quality improvement, and compassionate care. Throughout my career, I have led initiatives focused on clinical governance, aimed at embedding evidence-based practice and high standards in surgical care. I believe strongly in treating each patient with empathy and respect, supporting them through every step of their surgical journey.

I am also passionate about mentorship and education within our profession. One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been mentoring junior SCPs and other healthcare professionals, helping them develop the skills and confidence to succeed in their roles. In addition, I have been involved in charity work for several years, participating in paediatric cardiac surgeries in underserved communities globally—a commitment that continues to inspire and inform my practice.

As I take on this new role with ACTSCP, my vision is to foster inclusivity, excellence, and continued innovation within our association. I am committed to strengthening partnerships, advocating for SCP-supportive policies, and expanding ACTSCP’s influence both nationally and internationally. Together, I believe we can elevate the profile of SCPs, supporting the crucial role we play in delivering exceptional care to our patients.

Thank you for the trust you have placed in me to lead our association. I look forward to connecting with many of you and working together to achieve our shared goals.

Warm regards,

Nisha Nair

Service and Community Involvement

Beyond clinical practice, I have pursued volunteer work worldwide, assisting with paediatric cardiac surgeries in developing countries, and raising funds for PICU equipment through various charity initiatives. These experiences have enriched my professional life, teaching me resilience, empathy, and the power of collaboration. I have also mentored and trained colleagues and junior doctors, fostering their growth and strengthening our community’s foundation.

Vision for the Future

As I step into this role, I am committed to building on the strong foundation established by Ms. Krishnamoorthy and others who have led before me. My primary goals are to:

• Advance Education and Training: We will continue to enhance the resources and training opportunities available to SCPs, supporting our members in building the skills essential to their practice.

• Support Professional Recognition: I recognise the need for formalised statutory registration, such as Managed Voluntary Registration (MVR), to establish equal recognition within the professional community.

• Foster Member Engagement: I invite all members—whether new or longstanding—to share your ideas and suggestions. Together, we can transform viable ideas into actions that benefit us all.