Deputy Chief Perfusionist: “I knew instantly this was the career I wanted to pursue.”
David Austin is joint Deputy Chief Perfusionist at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust’s (NUH) City Hospital and has worked in the NHS since 1984.
A perfusionist assists the surgical team during various types of cardiac procedures. Their responsibility is to operate a heart/lung machine that artificially replaces a patient's heart and lung functions during open heart surgery, as well as other longer term mechanical cardiac assist devices.
The machine plays a key role in the patient’s treatment. The heart can be put into hibernation for up to six hours whilst being operated on, during this time the heart’s temperature and metabolic rate are lowered. David’s role is to operate and monitor the machine which has six pumps that are used to pump blood and deliver medicine among other roles.
David said: “Whilst training as an Operating Department Practitioner at Guys and St Thomas Hospital, London, I was fortunate to spend some time in the cardiac surgery theatres. I was in awe of the team and all the technology. I knew instantly this was the career I wanted to pursue.
“The first time I saw cardiac surgery I was really impressed with the technology and how all the teams worked together and communicated with each other. It was amazing how calm everyone was.”
The Cardiac Surgical Team operate on, up to 600 patients per year across both the City Hospital and Queens Medical Centre (QMC). They treat patients with a variety of conditions including peripheral vascular disease valvular disease and emergency aortic conditions.
David added: “I am humbled daily and very proud to work alongside, my medical, nursing, portering, technical and admin colleagues at the Trent Cardiac Centre. I really enjoy teaching the next generation of perfusionists. I am proud to say that over the years we have trained many perfusionists at NUH.
“I’d say one of the best things about this job is that it is constantly evolving, and every day brings new challenges. No two days are ever the same. It is a very rewarding career, and I am a member of a unique group of only 400 perfusionists in the UK.
“I remember in the early days of setting up adult cardiac surgery at NUH we only had a perfusion team of two. Now we have a team of nine qualified perfusionists, including a trainee. I do not have any regrets about my career choice, and I still love the job.”
David started his career with Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) at Nottingham City Hospital in August 1995, and next year we will celebrate the 30th anniversary of cardiac surgery at NUH.