Today we proudly recognised the achievements of one of the giants of modern British cardiology – renaming our cardiology unit at Castle Hill ‘The John Cleland Heart Centre’.
Professor Cleland served as a Professor of Cardiology in Hull for 15 years and is internationally recognised as one of the world’s leading cardiologists.
Professor Andrew Clark, from our Cardiology team, said: “Professor Cleland’s contribution has changed the way that cardiology is practiced all over the world.
“He was the first to realise that a new form of pacemaker technology would be helpful for patients with heart failure and that a proper clinical trial to test its efficacy was essential.
“He had the drive to see it through from inception to publication, ensuring that Cardiac Re-synchronisation Therapy is part of daily clinical life worldwide, bringing huge benefits to patients.
“His pioneering investigations into remote monitoring for patients with heart failure also led to a dramatic change in how patients are managed and markedly reduced their need to come into hospital for routine visits.”
Over the course of his career, Professor Cleland has also held a number of prestigious voluntary roles, including chairing the British Society for Heart Failure, senior roles within the British Cardiovascular Society and the European Society of Cardiology.
He has also sat on guideline bodies across the globe and has been instrumental in the training and development of the next generation of academics and clinical scientists.
Consultant Cardiologist and Chief of Service, Dr Simon Thackray, said: “His contributions to the national and international cardiovascular community – particularly in the field of heart failure – are exceptional and enduring.
“His work has defined modern understanding of heart failure epidemiology, outcomes and management, influenced national and international clinical guidelines, and attracted sustained research funding and global academic collaboration.
“Professor Cleland also trained generations of cardiologists many of whom now hold senior NHS and academic posts. “It’s an honour to rename our Castle Hill centre after him, as a means of recognising a legacy that has shaped our organisation’s reputation and impact for decades.”