Primary Care Network Staff

Vishika Rabadia - PCN Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner

My name is Vishika, everyone calls me Vish, I used to be a senior clinical pharmacist in the PCN but I was given the opportunity to develop my role to become a trainee advanced clinical practitioner. I now work across the care homes in the borough and make a real difference to the residents. I enjoy the patient facing aspect to the role and working across an MDT to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.

In my spare time I enjoy reading books and learning new things.

Hassan Mughal - PCN Senior Clinical Pharmacist

My name is Hassan and I am one of the clinical pharmacists for Wigan PCN. I currently work across two practices in Sullivan Way Surgery and Longshoot Health Centre. I enjoy working across sites and liaising with my different practice teams and members of the PCN to provide the best care for our patients. I also enjoy the team spirit and collective approach from the PCN team.
 
Fun Fact: I have fallen out of an aeroplane from 15,000ft.

Helen Berry - PCN Pharmacy Technician

Hi I’m Helen. I am a Pharmacy Technician for Wigan PCN’s. In the past I have worked mostly in hospital pharmacy however I am looking forward to my new career within the PCN. I am very dedicated to my work and patients, and always try my best in anything I do. Favourite memory so far: I have enjoyed learning more about the PCN’s and meeting the PCN teams, observing the different roles

Rebecca Lund - PCN Clinical Pharmacist

Hi, my name is Becky and this is my first role in primary care as a PCN Clinical Pharmacist. I find the role very rewarding as I can have a bigger impact on patients’ lives than in my previous roles and I enjoy being part of the friendly pharmacy team.

I love a DIY challenge and baking cakes in my spare time. One random fact about me is that I have swam with sharks in the great barrier reef (but not great whites)

Joanne Birch – PCN Pharmacy Technician

Hi, I’m Joanne but prefer to be called Jo and I am a Pharmacy Technician and have been with the PCN for 2 years.

I work across all 13 practices that make up Wigan PCN and cover Wigan North and Central.

I feel really privileged to have been part of a huge amazing team of Nurses, Doctors, Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians and other GP practice staff who all came together for the roll out delivering the covid vaccinations to the people of the borough. It was a massive undertaking and something that everyone did as team. It was also a chance for something good to come out of bad situation with everyone working together for the same outcome.

My role as a PCN Pharmacy Technician is varied and ever developing – from talking to patients to get a full history of their medication, dealing with medication queries, checking inhaler techniques and checking inhaler suitability to running my own “ one stop shop” clinics where I take blood pressures, measure pulse and oxygen saturation rates, take height and weight measurements in order to calculate BMI and other factors as well as ensuring that any required blood tests for drug monitoring  are up to date.  I then get to pass that information on to the pharmacists who are  able to check that medication that has been prescribed for patients is suitable and appropriate for every individual.

I love the fact that I get to see patients face to face and that I am able to take a holistic approach to patient care being able to refer patients who require additional help and support to different healthcare professionals so that they get the best health outcomes, It’s so rewarding.

Michelle Brisco – PCN Administration Support

I have over 30 years’ experience of working in primary care and community settings, including Dental and GP Practices in clerical, managerial and clinical roles.

I have recently joined Wigan Borough Federated Healthcare as a Primary Care Network Administrator. My new role is to provide operational and administrative support to the PCN Management Team and GP surgeries. I am really excited about joining the friendly and welcoming WBFH team, and working with the wider NHS Primary Care services

When I’m not in work I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, walking my dog Ollie, reading, and travelling.

Lauren Firth - PCN GP Assistant

Hi, I’m Lauren, I have just started working at the federation as a trainee GP Assistant. Before this I did Health and Social care at college and worked one day a week at the federation as my placement. In the future I am hoping to be a Paramedic and my time with the Federation is not only developing my clinical skills, but also my knowledge in NHS services. In my spare time, I love spending time with my family and Watching a good Movie.

Andrea Buckley - PCN Pharmacy Technician

My name is Andrea and this is my first role as a PCN Pharmacy Technician. I previously worked for 22 years in Hospital Pharmacy but am very keen and eager to learn in my new role.

In the past I have enjoyed the patient contact and helping and advising patients with their medications and ensuring they have a supply of them. I am very patient focused and am looking forward to being part of the team in the PCN.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, walking, travelling and eating out!

Anne Humphreys - PCN Quality Nurse Manager

I’ve been in nursing for 25 years working across many areas of hospital medicine including respiratory, cardiology, coronary care, accident & emergency and most recently practise nursing in primary care. The role of Quality Nurse Manager combines my love of caring for patients as well as driving Quality Improvement across the community. 

Tayah Preece - PCN GP Assistant

Hello, my name is Tayah, I am part of a team of Wigan PCN, GP Assistants.

We currently do health checks for patients in the community and local care homes.

Our role is a mix of clinical and administration skills, we help patients to access services in the area, and give them the right knowledge and support to manage their health.

 I have come from a health and social care background, working in care homes, as well as care in the community. My experience for the last 7 years has been in learning disabilities, challenging behaviour, nonverbal communication, complex healthcare needs, and working with a range of conditions. I was doing daily observations and liaising with other medical professionals to monitor and promote service users' wellbeing and wanted to expand on those skills to help more people, so I joined the PCN!

Outside of work I enjoy scuba diving, playing with my cats, reading a good book or going for a walk.

Catherine Blakeley - Data Quality Team Leader

My name is Catherine Blakeley and my role within Wigan Borough Federated Healthcare is GP Assistant Team Leader. I started in April 2023.

I have worked within General Practice and PCN for the last 5 years. In 2020 I completed the GP Assistant Qualification and gained experience in supporting the GP's and the practices in higher level administrative duties as well as learning basic Clinical Skills. 

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my young family and watching Rugby League. 

Ghazala - PCN Clinical Pharmacist

Hi, my name is Ghazala. I have been a community Pharmacist for over twenty years, working as a pharmacy manager and locum. I feel very excited about my new PCN Clinical Pharmacist role and already feel part of the team.

I connect with my patients, have empathy and treat them with respect and dignity. I understand that feeling cared for has a huge impact on the patient’s health physically and mentally. I took on this role to develop myself and have a greater positive impact on patient’s lives.

Once, I potentially saved a customer’s life by ringing the ambulance and monitoring her in the pharmacy until the ambulance arrived. The customer came in a few weeks later to thank me as she had been having a stroke and I had recognised the symptoms and immediately rang for an ambulance.

I enjoy spending time with my family and meeting up with friends. I also enjoy eating out and travelling.

Kim Ashcroft - PCN GP Assistant

I am training to be a GP Assistant and hope to expand my knowledge base to benefit not just myself but my colleagues and the community we serve as a team.

In my spare time I enjoy walking with my dog, watching box sets with my husband and visiting friends.

I am currently working with my dog towards gaining his Therapy Dog status, to enable us to volunteer at local care homes and children’s charities.

Gavin Morgan - PCN Care Home Paramedic

Hi everybody, my name is Gavin, I’m an hcpc registered paramedic, I worked for Nwas for 17/18 years, I worked through the roles of patient transport services and intermediate services for a couple of years. I moved into the role of emergency medical technician and then paramedic. After years of shifts and weekends I saw this amazing opportunity, to work with a great team in primary care, as well as helping some of the most vulnerable people in the community, and at the same time, having the opportunity to have a more stable work/life balance.

I don’t have any hobbies as such, but I do very much enjoy spending time with my family, as well as walking in the hills/mountains of the uk.

Lois Pullen – PCN Manager

Hi! I’m Lois the new PCN Manager, I have worked in General Practice for 13 years. I’m looking forward to joining the PCN Team to gain a different perspective and hopefully contribute in creating positive ideas, I am keen to gain further knowledge and learn new skills.

The whole team have been so friendly and welcoming, I’m excited to work together in providing care for our patients and community.

In my spare time I love playing games and having fun with my little boy, socialising with family and friends and exploring the world.

Susan - PCN Advanced Nurse Practitioner

Hi, My name is Susan, I am an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) and the Line Manager of the Central and North PCN Care Home Team.

I have been an ANP for the past 15 years and have over 30 years experience working within the Community and Primary Care Health sectors.

I enjoy team working and the development of Staff and Services. I am looking forward to taking part in the development of enhanced services for the residents of the PCN allocated Care Homes 

Anita Grundy - PCN Quality and Governance Manager

I have worked in the NHS for over 30 years, most of this in Bolton but also covering Chorley and Wigan.

After completing a history degree, I went on to work in Quality Control before joining the NHS, where much of these learned principles were put to good use.

I then completed the AMSPAR diploma in Practice Management.

My NHS roles have included Practice Manager, Commissioning Support Officer / QOF Lead, Data Information Analyst, PCN Manager now Quality and Governance Manager.

I enjoy socialising, traveling and Formula 1.

Áine McGuinness - Digital & Transformation Lead

Hi, I’m Áine. I am passionate about service development, I enjoy finding the gaps in services and working collaboratively to find patient-centred solutions. I look forward to utilising the skills from my previous clinical experience (including as Senior Assistant Psychologist in this PCN) to be a good leader.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with friends & family, concerts, and travelling.

Anna Kownacka - PCN Care Co-Ordinator

Hello, my name is Anna and I have started my journey as a Care Coordinator with Wigan Borough Federated Healthcare in August 2023. Since the beginning of my career, I have been working with general public.

I am now in a perfect place to fulfil my dreams and be able to help others as my duty. As a care coordinator my role involves developing individualised care plans, coordinating care with other health providers and providing support and guidance to patients.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking and travelling.

Julie Menzies - PCN Care Co-Ordinator

Hello, my name is Julie I have worked for the NHS for over 19yrs as a pharmacy dispensing assistant.

During my time as a dispenser, I thoroughly enjoyed talking to the patients on the ward or counselling patients when they were given new medication.

I wanted a role that was more patient focused, helping, advising, and guiding patients in the right direction to help them manage their own health issues within the community.

In August 2023 I got the opportunity to join WBFH as a PCN care co-ordinator with the added advantage of training to be a GP assistant.

I’m a very caring compassionate person. I'm excited to learn this new role and what I can achieve to help patients manage their health needs enabling them to stay in the community.

In my spare time I like socialising with family and friends.

I also like outdoor activities, exercising, walking, jogging, and cycling.