Meet the team
Every member of our team is here because they care deeply about heart health — and about making sure you feel comfortable, informed, and looked after.
More than qualifications
Between us, our team brings over 150 years of cardiology experience. We’ve worked in some of the UK’s leading NHS cardiac centres, trained the next generation of physiologists, and cared for thousands of patients along the way.
But what makes this team different isn’t just what’s on our CVs. It’s how we work. Everyone here was chosen because they share the same belief: that a heart scan should never feel rushed, impersonal, or intimidating. We take our time with every patient, we explain things clearly, and we treat you the way we’d want our own family to be treated.
We have both male and female physiologists on the team — just let us know your preference when you book. Every scan is peer-reviewed by a second Advanced Cardiac Physiologist as standard, and an optional Consultant Cardiologist review is available on your echo for additional reassurance — so you can be confident your results are in expert hands.
The specialists looking after your heart
Click on any card to read their full story.
Claire Nieuwoudt
Advanced Cardiac Physiologist
A highly specialised cardiac physiologist with over two decades of experience, Claire trained at the Glenfield Hospital and achieved transthoracic accreditation with the British Society of Echocardiography in 2004.
After qualifying as a Cardiac Physiologist in 2001, Claire was promoted to Senior by 2003 and Advanced by 2005. She went on to become Head of Echocardiography at Salisbury District Hospital, where she developed services and championed high standards across the department.
Returning to the Midlands, Claire worked at the Glenfield Hospital until 2016, before moving to Royal Derby Hospital as an Advanced Cardiac Physiologist leading several areas including audit.
Throughout her career, Claire has trained, mentored, and supervised countless physiologists through their accreditation. She strongly believes in the highest standards of quality and care — and this philosophy sits at the very heart of Your Heart Scan.
“I have always found the heart fascinating. Being able to look inside people’s hearts is a privilege I will never tire of.”
Riaan Nieuwoudt
Advanced Cardiac Physiologist
With over 20 years of experience in cardiology, Riaan brings a deep passion for heart health and patient care to every aspect of his work. He began his career in South Africa, receiving world-class training before bringing his expertise to the UK.
A proud member of the British Society of Echocardiography, Riaan has worked across both NHS and private healthcare sectors. He’s especially passionate about echocardiography and is known for his warm, approachable manner.
Riaan takes great pride in making patients feel at ease, listened to, and truly cared for. Beyond his clinical work, he’s dedicated to training students and trainee cardiologists, helping shape the future of the profession with the same enthusiasm he brings to every patient interaction.
When he’s not in the clinic, you’ll find Riaan staying active through his love of sports and fitness — living proof of his commitment to heart health, inside and out.
Dr Boyang Liu
Consultant Cardiologist & Chief Medical Officer
A Consultant Cardiologist with additional expertise in cardiac imaging. Boyang earned his medical degree at Cambridge, achieved top honours at Bart’s Medical School, and holds a PhD in Cardiology from the University of Birmingham.
Boyang’s clinical training took him from house officer roles in London through core medical training at University Hospitals Birmingham, becoming a member of the Royal College of Physicians before taking up a national training number in cardiology.
He later became Consultant Cardiologist at the North West Heart Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust — a leading cardiac centre serving 3.2 million people. He holds advanced accreditation (EACVI, BSE, BSCI) across echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and cardiac CT.
Beyond his clinical work, Boyang has a distinguished research record, particularly in cardiac imaging for heart valve disease, optimal timing of treatment, and non-ischaemic heart conditions.
Dr Timea Beleznai
Consultant Cardiologist
A Consultant Cardiologist with a specialist interest in advanced cardiac imaging, including echocardiography and structural heart disease. She graduated from the University of Debrecen and completed a research PhD in cardiovascular science, including a prestigious British Heart Foundation Research Fellowship at the University of Oxford.
Timea began her clinical training in the UK at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital and became a Member of the Royal College of Physicians in 2018. She completed her cardiology training in Leeds, where she developed a particular focus on advanced echocardiography and heart failure.
She further specialised in structural imaging during a post-CCT fellowship at Wythenshawe Hospital, and in 2024 was appointed Consultant Cardiologist in Imaging at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. She holds multiple advanced imaging accreditations, including transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography (BSE), stress echocardiography, cardiac MRI (EACVI), and cardiac CT (BCSI).
Alongside her clinical work, Timea is the Education Lead for the Greater Manchester Valve Network and is a principal investigator for the EasyAS aortic stenosis research trial at Manchester Royal Infirmary.
Daleen Blay
Advanced Cardiac Physiologist
With over 30 years of cardiology experience across NHS and private healthcare, Daleen trained in South Africa at a leading hospital and became the first South African to achieve echocardiography accreditation with the European Society of Cardiology.
Daleen was the lead Cardiac Physiologist in two private practices for 23 years, managing all cardiology services and training junior physiologists through accreditation. She began working in England in 2016, becoming Chief Cardiac Physiologist in 2019.
Her specialised field is Advanced Transthoracic Echocardiography, but she’s also qualified in pacemaker and ICD testing, ECG and stress ECG interpretation, and carotid Doppler assessment. She has a real passion for training and has mentored many students through their British accreditation.
Daleen’s dedication to cardiology and patient care is visible in everything she does — her professionalism, expertise, and kind and caring nature.
Soheel Ishaq
Advanced Cardiac Physiologist
With over 15 years of specialist cardiology experience across NHS, private, and community settings, Soheel specialises in advanced echocardiography and non-invasive cardiac diagnostics. BSE accredited and registered with the Academy for Healthcare Science.
Soheel independently performs and reports a comprehensive range of cardiac investigations, including transthoracic echocardiography, transoesophageal echocardiography assistance, and stress echocardiography — supporting precise diagnosis and confident clinical decision-making.
A significant part of his career has been spent within private healthcare and community diagnostic services, where efficiency, accuracy, and patient experience are paramount. Known for his calm and approachable manner, Soheel takes time to explain procedures clearly, ensuring patients feel informed, comfortable, and reassured.
Nicky Palin
Lead Vascular & Advanced Cardiac Physiologist
With 40 years in the NHS, Nicky is highly specialised in advanced echocardiography and vascular sonography. She trained at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton and co-founded the Vascular Laboratory in 1990.
Nicky achieved her postgraduate qualification in Vascular Sonography and went on to train numerous students to AVS accreditation and Master’s level. In 1997, she gained Transthoracic Accreditation with the BSE and became a senior member of the team delivering training to cardiologists and intensive care doctors.
Appointed Head of Service in 2010, she developed and expanded the vascular service across the Derby region. In 2021, she became Head of Service for Echocardiography at Royal Derby Hospital. Her commitment to clinical excellence is matched by her dedication to training, mentorship, and continuous service improvement.
Nyree Petitjean
Clinical Operations Coordinator
With over 20 years of NHS experience, Nyree brings a strong people-focused approach to everything she does. Her background in Learning Disability Services and Audiology has given her a deep understanding of patient-centred care.
Throughout her career, Nyree has been dedicated to empowering individuals to take an active role in their own health. Being of service to others and supporting their health and wellbeing is at the core of everything she does.
Nyree brings this compassion, dedication, and clinical insight to her role as Clinical Operations Coordinator — ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes so your experience is as seamless as possible.
Trish Constable
Administrator & Telephone Support
Trish trained as an RGN in adult care, qualifying in 1990. After working in surgical nursing and spending nearly two decades in Intensive Care — including 10 years as an ICU Sister — she brings exceptional clinical knowledge to every conversation.
Trish’s priorities have always been providing high-quality care delivered with empathy and full confidentiality. After retiring from nursing in 2014, she joined our team in 2023, bringing her extensive medical experience to admin and telephone support.
When you call us, there’s a good chance it’ll be Trish you speak to — and you’ll quickly understand why her warmth and knowledge make her a perfect fit for the team.
Ready to check in on
your heart health?
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