Professor Jennifer Adgey was honoured for her pioneering work in the field of cardiology and for providing a level of care to patients, recognised for its excellence, not just locally but internationally.
Speaking at the presentation in Belfast the Minister said: “Professor Adgey has given a lifetime’s service to helping others and I am honoured to present this award to such a distinguished and highly respected physician. It is fitting that this Lifetime Award is being made to someone who throughout her entire career has striven to continually improve the care of her patients by promoting research, incorporating new treatments and introducing innovative systems.
“Early in her career Professor Adgey worked alongside world famous cardiologist Professor Frank Pantridge at a time when cardiac catheterisation and the use of portable defibrillators were in their infancy.”
Throughout her career Professor Adgey promoted the mobile coronary care unit, and later supported the development of the role of paramedics including their use of defibrillation.
The Minister concluded: “During her time in the Royal many innovative services were introduced. These included 'chest pain clinic', 'acute coronary syndrome service', 'heart failure service' and 'secondary prevention clinics'. There is no doubt that the introduction of these services helped many patients with heart disease to improve their quality of life as well as their life expectancy.”
Notes to Editors:
1. Professor Jennifer Adgey
Graduated Queens University Belfast 1964
Consultant Cardiologist Royal Victoria Hospital 1971-2007
Professor of Cardiology in both University of Ulster and Queen's University.
Fellow of Royal College of Physicians (London)
Fellow of Royal College of Physicians of Ireland
Fellow of American College of Cardiologists
Fellow of European Society of Cardiology
Author of two books and over 250 journal articles.
Promoted multi-disciplinary working including:
- Nurse led secondary prevention clinic for patients with known coronary artery disease
- Nurse led A&E coronary syndrome service
- Ambulance/Paramedic training
Promoted use of defibrillators for patients with heart attacks.
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