Primary Care Network Staff

Jayne Johnson - Manager

I have over 12 years’ experience of working in primary care working my way up from Receptionists to Practice Manager.

 I have recently joined Wigan Borough Federated Healthcare as Primary Care Network Manager. My new role is to ensure the efficient functioning of the PCN’s to meet the evolving needs of patients and communities.  I am really excited about joining the friendly and welcoming WBFH team and working with Practices and wider teams. 

When I’m not in work I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, walking my sausage dog Scooby.

Vishika Rabadia - 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.

Anne Humphreys - 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. 

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.

Helen Berry - 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 - 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 – 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 – 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.

Tayah Preece - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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.

Anna Kownacka - 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 - 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.

Heather Cooper - Data Quality Team

Hi, I'm Heather and I've been with Wigan Borough Federated Healthcare since January 2023. I started out as a back-office administrator but now I'm excited to step up and have been given the role of Data Quality Care Co-Ordinator.

Prior to this, I've had experience working in various positions within the NHS since 2015, such as Community Pharmacy and General Practice.

In my new role within the PCN, I'm focused on assisting our practices in achieving their goals by identifying patients and detecting data inconsistencies.

Lauren Price - GP Assistant

Hi, I’m Lauren, I started working for the Federation in early 2021 supporting in the vaccination clinics. My main duties were reception, booking in patients and assisting the vaccinators to document the vaccine after giving. I went to college in the summer of that year doing my Health & Social Care level 3 course and I was with the federation once a week for my placement. I now work at the federation training to be a GP Assistant, I am hoping to be a Paramedic in the future and my time with the Federation is not only developing my skills, but also my knowledge in NHS service providers. I my spare time, I love spending out with my friends and family. 

Melissa - GP Assistant

Hello, my name is Melissa. I am a GP Assistant for Wigan Borough Federated Healthcare. I completed my Level 3 Health and Social care at college, and I have been working in care for the past 7 years.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family, friends and my two dogs Lilly and Polly. 

Joanne - Frailty Social Prescriber

Hello

My name is Joanne, I am the PCN Frailty Social Prescriber within your GP practice.

I have previous experience within exercise referral, housing and adult social care. I am passionate about supporting people to help them achieve their aspirations, wants and needs. This in turn will help them live a more fulfilling life building their confidence and independence.

I have lived in Wigan my whole life and I will tell anyone I meet I am a proud Wiganer. “I’m from wiggin me!”

I spend my free time travelling with my partner and supporting the Wigan Warriors.

I like to stay active with walking, cycling and partaking in ravin’ fit classes.

Emma Kinsella - Frailty Social Prescriber

I’m Emma one of the PCN’S frailty social prescribers. I’m looking forward to the frailty team being up and running soon. I enjoy being patient facing and having the time to build relationships and use a person centred approach so that people feel understood, listened to and cared for.

I have 21 years’ experience working for WWL trust both in the hospital and community as a generic support worker and HCA.

When I’m not working or being my children’s PA/ chauffer I’m creative and love interior design.

Lauren Firth - Data Quality Care Co-Ordinator

My name is Lauren Firth and my role within Wigan Borough Federated Healthcare is Data Quality Care Co-ordinator.  I have worked in the NHS since 2017 starting at a GP Surgery where I gained extensive knowledge and experience and also completed The Care Certificate which gave me introductory skills and knowledge to provide compassionate and high-quality care to patients. 

Prior to joining the NHS I worked for IHG Hotels Group for 15 years in various roles from Reception Team Member to Guest Service Manager. 

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my children, family & friends & enjoy going to the theatre & concerts.

Kevin Connolly - Social Prescriber

Hi, I’m Kevin. Prior to this role, I was employed in the NHS for over 25 years. By background I am a qualified Social worker. I have experience working in both adult and children’s mental health services. I am really looking forward to connecting the children and young people to community-based support, including activities and services that meet practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and well-being. Evidence shows that social prescribing provides effective support to children and young people focused on their mental health and well-being. The GP surgeries I cover are- Shevington, Standish, Wrightington St and Mesnes view.

Brooke Taylor - Social Prescriber

Hi, I’m Brooke. Prior to this role I worked on the Discharge team at Salford where I supported patient discharge with VCSE sector. I have had experience as a social prescriber prior to being in Salford and have also worked with the Wigan and Leigh Young Carers where we supported young carers and their families be children again and have a break from there at home responsibilities. I have always worked with CYP due to founding a charity for disabled children and their families where we support them through social activities and by creating a safe support network. I will be able to use all of my previous experience to create a person-centred environment for the people I will be working with and I am really looking forward to getting to know the CYP and their families in Wigan. The GP surgeries that I cover are- Pemberton, Marsh Green, Bradshaw Street and Newtown.

Jennifer Bradley – Frailty Social Prescriber

Hello my name is Jen.  I’m one of the Frailty team Social Prescribers.  I’m new to the PCN, having previously worked in community and hospital pharmacy as a Senior Dispensary Assistant.  I’m looking forward to helping and supporting my patients with the social needs that matter most to them, therefore improving their overall health and wellbeing.

I’m a bit of a history nerd, so in my spare time I love exploring historic houses and castles with my husband and daughter.  I also love a true crime series,  keeping active in the gym or by going for walks and spending time with family and friends.

Ian – Pharmacy Technician

Hi, my name is Ian, I am a pharmacy technician, and relatively new to primary care. I joined the team here in August after working in hospital pharmacy for 16 years, most of which was spent on an acute medical unit. My experience centres on medicines management, ensuring that prescribing is safe and appropriate, and that patient information is accurately communicated. This lets me have a real impact on patient safety and health outcomes, and is the part of my job that bring me most happiness.

Outside of work I spend a lot of time reading, acquiring books, and struggling to fit those books in my house.

Sandra Warren - Nurse

Hi my name is Sandra.

Currently  I work in the PCN as a nurse.

I did my nurse training at Wigan infirmary.

I worked as a midwife for 6 years and then a practice nurse for 27 years .

Over the last 18 months I have been working for the PCN doing health checks in the community .

Socially I like to do a lot of exercise , enjoy walking and meeting up with family.

Mike Shinks - Nurse

I’m Mike and I am a Nurse at the PCN, specialising in setting up and running the Liver Health service.

I qualified in 2003 and post qualification I worked in A+E at Wigan and Theatre Recovery at Wrightington. Before joining the PCN at the start of 2024 I spent the previous 13 years working in Clinical Research across Greater Manchester.

Before Nursing I was a Stage Manager. I trained at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and have worked at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Bolton Octagon and toured extensively with National Companies.

In my spare time I play Crown Green Bowls and am secretary of a Club in Bolton