About SNAPCA
Our Mission
The Scottish Nurses & Allied Professionals Cardiovascular Association (SNAPCA) is a non-profit making organisation. The purpose of the organisation is to promote excellence in the practice of nurses & allied professionals (NAP) in the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Scotland. SNAPCA is inclusive of nurses, allied health professionals, pharmacists and healthcare scientists. These groups will be referred to collectively as nurses & allied professions (NAPs).
Our aims
1. Champion the role of NAP in delivering high-quality cardiovascular care and representing Scotland nationally and internationally.
2. Lead on competencies, education, and training, promoting a European core curriculum and collaborative partnerships.
3. Provide mentorship and a platform to share best practice, supporting professional growth in cardiovascular health.
4. Drive research, audit, and innovation, offering expertise to influence and improve cardiovascular services.
SNAPCA supports the aim of Scotland’s Heart Disease action plan to “minimise preventable heart disease and ensure that everyone with suspected heart disease in Scotland has timely and equitable access to diagnosis, treatment and care that supports them in living well with their condition”.
SNAPCA Council 2025 - 2027
Maggie Simpson - Chair
Natalie Elliot - Councillor
Natalie Elliot - Councillor
Cardiology nurse and medical student with 16+ years' experience across heart failure, ACHD, cardiac obstetrics, and women’s heart health. Currently studying medicine at the University of Edinburgh and active in clinical, academic, and policy roles. Co-founder of SNAPCA and Fellow of the ESC and HFA, with leadership roles in national and E
Cardiology nurse and medical student with 16+ years' experience across heart failure, ACHD, cardiac obstetrics, and women’s heart health. Currently studying medicine at the University of Edinburgh and active in clinical, academic, and policy roles. Co-founder of SNAPCA and Fellow of the ESC and HFA, with leadership roles in national and European organisations. Passionate about service innovation, education, equity, and multidisciplinary care.
Natalie Elliot - Councillor
Natalie Elliot - Councillor
Natalie Elliot - Councillor
Registered Nurse, Coronary Care Unit, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
Natalie is a CCU nurse passionate about acute cardiology, education, and mentorship. She supports new nurses, promotes early symptom recognition—especially in women—and advocates for clear career pathways. Her practice embraces holistic, psychologically informed care. Curren
Registered Nurse, Coronary Care Unit, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
Natalie is a CCU nurse passionate about acute cardiology, education, and mentorship. She supports new nurses, promotes early symptom recognition—especially in women—and advocates for clear career pathways. Her practice embraces holistic, psychologically informed care. Currently completing an MRes, her research explores how AI can personalise cardiac rehab, bridging the gap between innovation and real-world patient outcomes.
Helena Davison - Councillor
Natalie Elliot - Councillor
Helena Davison - Councillor
Clinical Nurse Specialist - WoS Inherited Cardiac Conditions
Lynne Murray - Councillor
Catherine Ross - Co-opted member
Helena Davison - Councillor
Lead Cardiology Advanced Nurse Practitioner, NHS Lothian
Kaitlyn Young - Councillor
Catherine Ross - Co-opted member
Catherine Ross - Co-opted member
Specialist Practitioner, The Heart Manual Department – Astley Ainslie Hospital
Kaitlyn is a Physiotherapist and Exercise Physiologist with extensive experience in cardiac rehabilitation and cardiotoxicity self-management. A British Heart Foundation Clinical Research Fund recipient and consultant to NICE on digital cardiac rehabilitation th
Specialist Practitioner, The Heart Manual Department – Astley Ainslie Hospital
Kaitlyn is a Physiotherapist and Exercise Physiologist with extensive experience in cardiac rehabilitation and cardiotoxicity self-management. A British Heart Foundation Clinical Research Fund recipient and consultant to NICE on digital cardiac rehabilitation therapies, she is passionate about advancing evidence-based, accessible cardiovascular care, workforce development, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Catherine Ross - Co-opted member
Catherine Ross - Co-opted member
Catherine Ross - Co-opted member
Chief Scientific Officer, Scottish Government
Catherine is a Chartered Scientist and Biologist, Fellow of multiple scientific societies, and Visiting Professor at several UK universities. She holds senior national and international leadership roles, including President of the Science Council and ESC committee chair. Her work spans professi
Chief Scientific Officer, Scottish Government
Catherine is a Chartered Scientist and Biologist, Fellow of multiple scientific societies, and Visiting Professor at several UK universities. She holds senior national and international leadership roles, including President of the Science Council and ESC committee chair. Her work spans professional identity, heart failure, and STEM outreach, with a strong focus on cross-boundary collaboration and inspiring the next generation of scientists, especially girls.
Richard Forsyth - Co-opted member
Richard Forsyth - Co-opted member
Richard Forsyth - Co-opted member
Health Systems Insight Manager - Scotland
Richard has over 20 years’ experience in cardiovascular health, including leading Glasgow’s Exercise Referral and Cardiac Rehab programmes. For the past 14 years, he has worked as Scotland Lead for the British Heart Foundation, both as part of the Health Services Engagement and Health & Care Teams,
Health Systems Insight Manager - Scotland
Richard has over 20 years’ experience in cardiovascular health, including leading Glasgow’s Exercise Referral and Cardiac Rehab programmes. For the past 14 years, he has worked as Scotland Lead for the British Heart Foundation, both as part of the Health Services Engagement and Health & Care Teams, focusing on service improvement and health inequalities. He chairs the National Cardiac Rehabilitation Steering Group, supporting strategic delivery of the Heart Disease Action Plan in partnership with NHS and government stakeholders.