#ThisIsMe - Bibi Ford
#ThisIsMe- Bibi Ford
“This journey has been about more than just professional milestones—it’s been about growth, collaboration, and the joy of making a difference. Sharing these reflections celebrates not only my career but also the incredible progress of cardiology nursing at NMUH.”
words by Bibi Ford
Reflecting on 30+ Years in Cardiac Nursing at North Middlesex: A Journey of Growth, Innovation, and Dedication
The post is for 9 months they said at the interview. As a new mother, the demands of working weekends and nights no longer aligned with my lifestyle, prompting me to search for a new position. When I accepted the post at NMUH, it was intended to be temporary —a nine-month position while I explored other opportunities.
That was 28 years ago. What started as a short-term opportunity became a lifelong journey of growth, innovation, and leadership in cardiac nursing.
My journey began as a research nurse on the Heart Protection Study, a pioneering trial that reshaped how we manage high cholesterol through the use of statins. Reflecting on nearly three decades at NMUH, as we approach new horizons, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride for what we’ve achieved in cardiology nursing.
The Early Days of Cardiology Nursing at NMUH
When I first joined in the early 1990s, cardiology nursing—and advanced practice in particular—was still in its infancy at NMUH. Our team was small but determined, consisting of just two consultant cardiologists, Dr Banim and Dr Tom Crake (who continues to be part of the team today!), a cardiac nurse specialist focussed on developing cardiac rehabilitation for patients who’s had a heart attack, and two cardiac physiologists.
Fast forward nearly three decades, and that modest team has grown into a multidisciplinary department of over 60 professionals including nurses, doctors, cardiac physiologists, and support staff. All working together to deliver outstanding cardiac care.
From Mauritius to Leading Change in Cardiology
My journey into nursing began on the small island of Mauritius, where I grew up, one of 20 children, descended from indentured labourers—a system established after the abolition of slavery. Moving to the UK, I trained and cultivated my passion for nursing, driven in part by an early encounter with racism when I was denied a job because a man in a white coat believed his clients “would not like it.” This was a traditional grocery store in Waterloo. I remember it well, like it happened yesterday.
Fortunately, I later met other “men in white coats” like Dr Thomas Crake and Dr Muhiddin Ozkor, who championed the potential of nursing and advanced practice. With their support and encouragement and my own determination, I rose to meet the evolving needs of patients and advanced cardiac nursing practice, ultimately becoming Lead Nurse for Cardiology- a role that allows me to drive meaningful change through clinical expertise and leadership.
Transforming Cardiac Care at NMUH
Specialising in cardiac care has brought me immense professional fulfilment. Collaborating with brilliant colleagues, I’ve had the privilege of implementing groundbreaking, patient-centred services at NMUH.
One of the most significant milestones was the establishment of our first Cardiac Catheter Laboratory in 1999. This enabled us to perform procedures like coronary angiograms and pacing implants locally, sparing patients the inconvenience of traveling into the city—or braving the British weather to access care in a mobile Cath lab parked outside the hospital. The grand opening, graced by Tottenham legend David Ginola, was an unforgettable moment for our team!
Other key developments include the introduction of Nurse-led Cardiology Clinics, which advanced nursing skills and improved patient care. Initiatives like the Rapid Access Chest Pain Clinic and the Cardiac Chest Pain Hot Clinic have revolutionized access to cardiac care at NMUH, followed by post-myocardial infarction and post-angioplasty clinics, offering crucial support to patients and their families as they transitioned from acute treatment to recovery through Cardiac Rehabilitation.
In addition to these advancements for acute cardiac care, we’ve also made great strides in managing long-term conditions. The development of our Heart Failure Service stands out as a career-defining achievement. Seeing patients regain confidence and control over their lives after a challenging diagnosis has been a deeply rewarding experience.
Supporting and Developing the Team
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role has been nurturing the professional growth of our nursing team. Recruiting nurses with the right skills and knowledge has always presented challenges, so we turned our focus inward—on developing our own talent.
With invaluable support from the education department, particularly Sampson Duah, and our dedicated cardiologists, we’ve achieved remarkable success. Many of our nurses have now completed postgraduate cardiac courses, become non-medical prescribers, and advanced to clinical practitioner roles.
To further empower our team, I developed competency frameworks to ensure staff at all levels are equipped with the skills and confidence they need to excel. Watching the team grow in confidence and capability has been a true highlight of my career.
This focus on education stems from a deeply held belief that education can change lives, a value instilled in me by my father. I’ve carried this principle into my work with patients as well, championing the idea that educating patients about their conditions can significantly improve their outcomes and enhance their quality of life in a meaningful way.
Of course, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. This journey, much like British roads, has been marked by its share of potholes—some minor, others much harder to navigate. Despite my best efforts to steer clear, there have been moments when I’ve unexpectedly found myself stuck, grappling to climb out. In those moments, I’ve relied on resilience and the support of wonderful colleagues to navigate the challenges and continue pushing forward. And it is in those challenging times that Nietzsche’s timeless words ring true: What does not kill you makes you stronger.
Looking Ahead
As NMUH enters a new chapter with an upcoming merger, I am excitement about the opportunities ahead. Change brings innovation, and I’m eager to see how we can further elevate cardiology nursing to better serve our patients.
While this journey has had its challenges, it has been immensely rewarding. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished as a team and look forward to continuing to make a difference—for our patients, our staff, and the future of cardiac care.
A Final Reflection
This journey has been about more than just professional milestones—it’s been about growth, collaboration, and the joy of making a difference. Sharing these reflections celebrates not only my career but also the incredible progress of cardiology nursing at NMUH.
Here’s to the next chapter of innovation, dedication, and excellence in cardiac care!
We thank Bibi for taking part in our #ThisIsMe blog series which focuses on the incredible diversity of our workforce across North Mid, beyond the usual protected characteristics of age, disability, ethnicity, religious beliefs, gender, sex, and sexuial orientation.
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