Aortic Practitioners’ Network

Why is this Network Needed?

The care of patients with aortic conditions, such as aortic dissection, requires a specialised and coordinated approach. In recent years, medical guidelines have increasingly emphasised the need for a multidisciplinary team to manage these complex conditions effectively. Nurses and Advanced Practitioners play a crucial role within these teams, offering a range of services that directly impact patient care and outcomes. However, despite their importance, many Allied Health Professions working in this field are isolated, working in silos, and disconnected from their peers.

One of the most pressing challenges nurses face is the lack of established support structures. Across the UK and Ireland, Advanced Practitioners are setting up and running nurse-led aortic clinics independently, often creating job descriptions, guidelines, and business cases from scratch. This duplication of effort is inefficient and can feel overwhelming for those in these new roles, particularly when resources and mentorship are scarce.

Moreover, patients consistently express how much they value having specialist nurses as a point of contact. These Advanced Practitioners provide continuity of care, tailored information, and the extra time patients need during appointments to fully understand their condition. Nurse-led clinics have already proven successful in other areas of cardiovascular care, such as valve disease and heart failure, and the aortic field is following a similar path.

In response, the network aims to create a centralised platform where nurses can connect, share resources, and support one another. The network will also offer educational resources, opportunities for professional development, and guidance on best practices for setting up and running aortic clinics.

The Aortic Practitioners’ Network

If you are a nurse working in aortic care or related specialities such as cardiothoracic, vascular surgery, or cardiology, the Aortic Nurses Network is your opportunity to connect with colleagues. Whether you are just starting out in your role or have years of experience, this network offers the support and resources you need to enhance your practice.

By joining the network, you will have access to:

• A platform for peer support and collaboration
• Resources for setting up and running nurse-led aortic clinics
• Educational materials and webinars to further your knowledge
• Opportunities to contribute to future research and initiatives

Together, we can improve patient outcomes and build a stronger, more connected community of specialist aortic nurses.