An NHS Fife cardiology consultant went on a medical mission to Nigeria, where he delivered essential treatments to underserved communities.
Earlier this year, Dr Jagdeep Singh, a Consultant in Cardiology at NHS Fife, undertook a medical mission to Port Harcourt, Nigeria, in collaboration with the Cardiovascular Education Foundation (CVEF).
The primary goal of this mission was to implant pacemakers for patients in one of the most underprivileged districts, where access to essential cardiology care is limited.
Dr Singh, along with two colleagues from NHS Lothian, dedicated five days to the treatment of 16 patients. The team conducted a variety of life-saving treatments, including the Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing procedure – a novel technique of implanting pacemaker leads in a specific area of the heart to achieve more co-ordinated contractions.
A secondary objective of this mission was the transfer of knowledge; Dr Singh and his colleagues recognised that their influence would extend beyond the immediate care of the patients. Their aim was to empower local healthcare providers, thereby fostering a lasting impact on the healthcare landscape of the region.
Dr Singh said: “Beyond the procedures, one of the mission’s key objectives was to upskill local cardiology consultants. We held numerous tutorials and training sessions, allowing doctors to not only observe the procedures in real time but also engage in post-procedure debriefs.”
“This hands-on teaching approach provided invaluable experience and the chance to ask critical questions about the techniques used. We are hopeful that the consultants who undertook the training can now cascade this learning to other healthcare professionals in the region, creating a ripple effect that will continue to improve care long after the mission.”
Dr Singh also delivered tutorials to physiology students, offering a deeper understanding of the intricate processes behind cardiac care. The trip included a Grand Round lecture at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, where Dr Singh presented a broader perspective on cardiology advancements and the importance of collaboration in global health.
One of the standout elements of Dr Singh’s contributions to the field of cardiology is his role in introducing the Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing technique at NHS Fife in January 2023.
Dr Singh said: “This cutting-edge technique, developed in China and Europe, has the potential for more effective implantation and better long-term outcomes for patients with heart conditions.”
“This technique has not only enhanced the quality of service and improved patient experience, but has also been used as a proof of concept that such advanced services can be offered in district general hospitals without the need for expensive equipment or infrastructure.”
NHS Fife became the first health board in Scotland to establish a regular service offering this advanced pacemaker technique. As a result of these collaborative efforts, NHS Fife's Cardiology Department was awarded Cardiology Team of the Year at the Scottish Healthcare Awards in 2023. Since the technique was introduced, NHS Fife has performed approximately 150 Left Bundle Branch Area pacemaker procedures.
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Images:
Photo 1 - Dr Jagdeep Singh in theatre [DOWNLOAD]
Photo 2 - Dr Singh in lecturing at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital [DOWNLOAD]
Photo 3 - Dr Singh with members of the clinical team in Port Harcourt [DOWNLOAD]
Notes to editors:
- The Cardiovascular Education Foundation - an international non-profit organisation, committed to advancing cardiovascular education, research, and patient care across Africa.
- This mission made headlines in Nigeria, with calls to the government to set up a Catheterization Laboratory, where tests and procedures including the implantation of pacemakers, at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital – click here to read more.
