The Team
Partners
Dr Tim Watson
Senior Partner
BMedSci BM BS DRCOG MRCGP
Background: Qualified from Nottingham University Medical School with a BMedSci 1992 and BM BS 1994. passed MRCGP exam in 1996.
Interests: Messing around outside be it in a canoe, on a bike, running or climbing up something.
Dr Ruth Taylor
GP Partner
MBBS DFFP DRCOG DCH MRCGP
Background: Trained at St Bartholomew Hospital London. Qualified 1996. Worked in Australia after house jobs. Came back to UK and moved to Devon. Spent a year working in Uganda 2002-3 at Mbarara University Medical School and also Hospice Mbarara in SW Uganda.
Interests: Not much time with 2 young twins! Gardening/ walking/cycling/playing
Dr Emma Sircar
GP Partner
MBBS BSc Hons MRCGP
Background: I trained at the Royal Free Hospital, London and qualified in 2000. I did my GP training in Dorset at Dorchester hospital and Poole, then completed this in Devon in 2006. I have lived locally since 2005 and love living here. I feel lucky to be part of such a friendly and thriving local community. I am passionate about working with local community partners to identify opportunities to improve existing services and develop new ones.
Interests: Gardening, walking, rowing and kayaking on Roadford lake.
Dr Charlie Hamilton
GP Partner
MBChB DCH MRCGP
Background: Graduated Bristol University 2004. Worked predominantly in South West since then with 9 months in Christchurch, NZ. Moved to Devon in 2006. GP Training in Torbay area, completed 2010. Married with 3 children.
Interests: The outdoors! Road cycling, walking on Dartmoor, sorting out the garden. Oh, and watching road cycling...
Dr Waseem Malik
GP Partner
MB BCh
Background: I qualified from the University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff in 2003. I started working as a GP in South Wales in 2008. I relocated to Devon, where my wife is originally from, with our 2 children.
Interests: Rugby, football, volleyball and eating out.
Miss Kiran Bakhshi
Management Partner
MSc(Econ), BA (Joint Hons)
Background: I joined Okehampton Medical Centre as a Practice Manager in March 2016 and became a Partner in September 2019, having previously worked as a Practice Manager in North London. I enjoyed my studies at Cardiff University, where my first degree was in French and German, allowing me to live for a short while both in Annecy and in Berlin, and my Masters was in Western European Labour Studies.
I am very happy working at Okehampton Medical Centre and have been impressed by the dedication, commitment and levels of patient care provided by the clinical and non-clinical staff. I feel very fortunate to be in a position to support the community of Okehampton and the surrounding areas through my role in the practice, and through collaboration with other local practices as management lead for North Dartmoor Primary Care Network.
Email: Kiran.bakhshi@nhs.net
Mrs Pip Rubbra
Nurse Partner
BSC Health Studies, RGN, Independent Nurse Prescriber, PCN Nurse Lead
Background: I became a Partner in the Practice in September 2019. My responsibilities are to lead and support a large, skilled, multidisciplinary team and work collaboratively with our General Practitioners, Practice Manager and community teams. I also support our Nurse teams in the PCN.
Interests: My big love is tennis and general outdoor exercise. I also enjoy reading and film.
Mr Alex Moores
Pharmacist Partner
MRPharmS, PgCertClinPharm, MAPCPharm
Background: I qualified in 2005, spending the next 14 years as a community pharmacist and manager. I have a clinical interest in asthma, COPD and hypertension. I will be involved in managing these in long term condition clinics, as well as medication reviews and queries.
Interests: Spending time with my family, cycling and gardening.
GPs
Dr Tim Watson
GP Trainer
BMedSci BM BS DRCOG MRCGP
Background: Qualified from Nottingham University Medical School with a BMedSci 1992 and BM BS 1994. Passed MRCGP exam in 1996.
Interests: Messing around outside be it in a canoe, on a bike, running or climbing up something
Dr Ruth Taylor
MBBS DFFP DRCOG DCH MRCGP
Background: Trained at St Bartholomew Hospital London. Qualified 1996. Worked in Australia after house jobs. Came back to UK and moved to Devon. Spent a year working in Uganda 2002-3 at Mbarara University Medical School and also Hospice Mbarara in SW Uganda.
Interests: Not much time with 2 young twins! Gardening/ walking/cycling/playing
Dr Emma Sircar
MBBS BSc Hons MRCGP
Background: I trained at the Royal Free Hospital, London and qualified in 2000. I did my GP training in Dorset at Dorchester hospital and Poole, then completed this in Devon in 2006. I have lived locally since 2005 and love living here. I feel lucky to be part of such a friendly and thriving local community. I am passionate about working with local community partners to identify opportunities to improve existing services and develop new ones.
Interests: Gardening, walking, rowing and kayaking on Roadford lake.
Dr Charlie Hamilton
GP Trainer
MBChB DCH MRCGP
Background: Graduated Bristol University 2004. Worked predominantly in South West since then with 9 months in Christchurch, NZ. Moved to Devon in 2006. GP Training in Torbay area, completed 2010. Married with 3 children.
Interests: The outdoors! Road cycling, walking on Dartmoor, sorting out the garden. Oh, and watching road cycling...
Dr Fiona Price
MBBS MRCGP DRCOG
Background: I graduated from Newcastle University in 2010 and then moved to the South cost, where I completed my foundation and GP training in Hampshire. I have worked as a GP in New Zealand for 6 months, and have recently moved to Devon where I am thoroughly enjoying everything that this beautiful county has to offer.
Dr Jo Hansford
MB ChB
Background: I qualified from the University of Bristol in 2012 and then moved to Yorkshire as a junior doctor. I missed the South West too much and came back to do my GP training in Somerset!
Interests: I enjoy being outdoors and pottering around in my garden.
Dr Waseem Malik
MB BCh
Background: I qualified from the University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff in 2003. I started working as a GP in South Wales in 2008. I relocated to Devon, where my wife is originally from, with our 2 children.
Interests: Rugby, football, volleyball and eating out.
Dr Hannah Readman
BSc (Hons) MBBS RCGP
Background: I graduated from Imperial College in 2009 and then moved to Oxfordshire, where I completed my foundation and GP training. During my training I also worked in New Zealand and Ghana.
Interests: Although I love travelling I have now settled down in Devon with my young family and they are keeping me busy when I'm not at work.
Dr Katherine Kennedy
MBChB MRCS DTMH DFSRH DRCOG nMRCGP PGCME
Background: I qualified from Bristol University in 1999 and initially did Surgical training. I then realised that I wanted to be a GP, and in 2011 completed my training in Exeter. Since then I have worked as a Salaried GP in Torquay for 6.5 years and as a GP Locum.
Interests: I feel so lucky to live in Devon. I have 2 children and love being outdoors. I also enjoy surfing (badly!) and walking.
Dr Olivia Cameron
Background: I am delighted to have recently joined the Okehampton Medical Centre team. I studied medicine at the University of Glasgow. After graduating I came back to the south west where I grew up, and worked in Exeter, Bristol and Bath before completing my GP training in Exeter in 2021.
Interests: Outside work I enjoy pottery, music, and the great outdoors of Devon and Cornwall.
Dr Ruby Groome
Background: I graduated from UCL in 2015 and completed my GP training in Sussex in 2021. I moved to Devon with my husband to be closer to my family. I have worked as a salaried GP in Okehampton Medical Centre since summer 2022. I am part of the care home team and have an interest in elderly medicine. I love working as part of the wider multidisciplinary team in the community.
Interests: Walking on Dartmoor, live music and a spot of gardening. Since the move to Devon we have been kept busy doing up our 1930s house and we are about to start a campervan conversion for more local adventures.
Dr Michelle Doidge
BMBS MRCGP '18. RCGP cert. Drug Misuse Part 1 & Part 2.
Background: I studied locally at Peninsula Medical school, graduating in 2011 before moving to Gloucestershire. After 5 years as a GP in Gloucestershire I have made the move back to Devon to be closer to the sea and the moors! I have undertaken extra qualifications in the management of drug addiction and drug misuse and have experience in End of life care.
Interests: I have 2 children and enjoy walking and drawing.
Dr Saman Malik
Remote Locum GP
MRCGP DRCOG DFSRH Dip IBLM/BSLM
Background: Qualified from KEMC, University of Punjab, Pakistan in 2002. I completed my Vocational GP training in 2009 from Norfolk and Norwich University hospital, Norwich and then London. I am an internationally certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician through the British and International Board of Lifestyle Medicine. I have a passion for optimising health using preventative measures. I have worked in several inner city practices and rural clinics and enjoyed working remotely for local and international practices. I work as a sessional GP as I enjoy the flexibility to allow me to continue my involvement with health care projects in developing countries such as Pakistan.
Interests: Gardening, interior design and I enjoy cooking with my husband.
(Dr Saman Malik is referred to as "Dr Saman", to avoid confusion between her and one of our male GP Partners)
Dr Erum Arshad
Remote Locum GP
MB BS MRCP MRCGP
Dr Emily Brown
Locum GP
BM BCh BA DTMH DMCC MRCGP
Background: I qualified from the University of Oxford in 2014. I then moved back to work in the Southwest, where I grew up, and completed GP training in Exeter. I’ve worked overseas, including in Cambodia and Nepal, and as an expedition doctor. Part of the week I work as a researcher in the Centre for Academic Primary Care at the University of Bristol.
Interests: Anything in the great outdoors! Triathlon, travelling and cooking.
Dr Jo Kirkcaldy
Locum GP & GP Appraiser
BMedSci BMBS MRCP DipMedEd DFSRH MRCGP
Background: Dr Kirkcaldy is a Locum GP who has previously been a GP partner in Devon and Derbyshire and a hospital doctor in respiratory medicine for a number of years prior to that. When not working at the practice she is a GP Appraiser, mentors new to practice GPs and is the Deputy Director for Student Support for Exeter Medical School. She has particular interests in sexual health and respiratory medicine.
Interests: When not at work, she can often be found in the garden, baking (often with her Ukrainian lodger) or singing in a local choir.
The Dispensary Team
Mr Alex Moores
Pharmacist Partner
MRPharmS PgCertClinPharm MAPCPharm
Background: I qualified in 2005, spending the next 14 years as a Community Pharmacist and Manager. I have a clinical interest in asthma, COPD and hypertension. I will be involved in managing these in long term condition clinics, as well as medication reviews and queries.
Interests: Spending time with my family, cycling and gardening.
Lisa Tuckett
Pharmacy Technician
BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition 2012, NVQ3 Pharmaceutical Services 2020, ACPT 2021
Background: I qualified as a Dispenser in 2016 whilst working for Boots in Crediton before moving on to the relief team. Within 6 months this team was disbanded and I was offered a store based role in Okehampton or Bude. As I live in Crediton I opted for Okehampton and have been working here ever since!
I worked at Boots in Oke for 5 years as Assistant Manager and completed my qualifications to become a registered Pharmacy Technician and ACPT. My goal was always to move away from community pharmacy, I thought I'd like to work in the RD&E, not realising there were opportunities for Pharmacy Techs in Primary Care! I only started here in September 2021 but so far I am absolutely loving it!
Interests: In my spare time you will often find me in the kitchen baking or doing something creative. Previously you may have found me out on the beat in the streets of Exeter. I was a Special Constable with Devon & Cornwall Police for just over a year, but unfortunately had to give this up due to increased work commitments during the pandemic!
Olivia Wilson
Pharmacy Technician
Helen Cornthwaite
Senior Dispenser
Cat Chandler
Senior Dispenser
Michelle Trenaman
Dispenser
Multi Disciplinary Team
Hannah Boxall-Hunt
Physician Associate
MSc PA-R
Background: After spending part of my youth growing up in Crediton, I moved away 10 years ago firstly to Aberdeen to study a BSc in Biomedical Sciences and then to London to become a Physician Associate, by completing a Master’s degree. I worked in a large southwest London GP surgery before being drawn back to Devon to be nearer my family and to settle with my fiancée in the countryside. I am thrilled to be part of a great team here and I am enjoying helping to pave the way to a more efficient and effective GP service in Devon.
Interests: When not at work, you can find me in the kitchen baking or singing in choirs around the country.
Liz Hucker
Advanced Clinical Practitioner
John Blakeney
Primary Care Paramedic
HCPC - Paramedic
Mad McDonald
Primary Care Paramedic
Background: I have been a Paramedic for 20 years and worked for Southwestern Ambulance Service for 23 years altogether. I made the decision to move into Primary Care a few years ago as I wanted to follow patients through and help on a long term basis rather than dealing with accidents and emergencies.
I joined Okehampton Medical Centre in October 2019. My main role is working within the 'Same Day Team'. This team speaks to all the patients that contact the surgery when they need urgent treatment. I also do home visits for the acutely unwell that cannot get into surgery for assessment and help within the MIU.
Primary Care medicine is a whole new textbook of medicine and I am thoroughly enjoying my move.
Okehampton Medical Centre is a very progressive surgery and are one of only a handful that use Paramedics within Devon. It does seem to surprise people when I introduce myself as a Paramedic that works in the surgery however the Paramedic profession within Primary Care is quickly becoming the norm.
Interests: In my spare time I have a smallholding with a few Devon and Cornwall Longwool sheep - which I have started to show - also chickens, ducks, dogs and cats. I am an avid Exeter Chiefs rugby fan as well and can be found in East Terrace on a Saturday afternoon.
Beth Pell
Primary Care Paramedic
Background: Having worked in Emergency Care as a Paramedic in the Midlands in both rural and City Centre settings my family moved to the South West 6 years ago to be closer to family. Since moving I have worked as a Transformation Lead for Devon Partnership Trust and within Clinical advice for Devon and Cornwall out of hours Doctors Service and 111 . I joined Okehampton Medical Centre in April 2021 so I could continue to develop my skills with patient contact within Primary Care.
I work as part of a group of Clinicians within the "Same day team" contacting patients by telephone, at the clinic or on home visits when required. We all come from a variety of Clinical backgrounds which helps us to support each other in providing the best possible patient care.
Alongside my role at Okehampton Medical Centre I continue to work on the front line as an Emergency Paramedic and I also support with 111 and out of hours services as I find this helps me take a holistic approach when considering the patient treatment pathway.
Interests: My favourite days are spent watching a good film at the movies, enjoying a nice meal out or most of all spending a beautiful summers evening on the beach with my family watching the sun go down.
Scott Volkmer-Simmonds
Primary Care Paramedic
Patient Services
Rachael Palmer
Patient Services Manager
Clinical
Pip Rubbra
Nurse Partner & Nursing Team Manager
BSC Health Studies, RGN, Independent Nurse Prescriber, PCN Nurse Lead
Background: I became a Partner in the Practice in September 2019. My responsibilities are to lead and support a large, skilled, multidisciplinary team and work collaboratively with our General Practitioners, Practice Manager and community teams. I also support our Nurse teams in the PCN.
Interests: My big love is tennis and general outdoor exercise. I also enjoy reading and film.
Judith Magowan
Nurse Practitioner
RGN, Registered Mental Health Nurse, BSc Health Studies and Independent Nurse Prescriber, Queen's Nurse
Background: I have worked as a practice nurse since 1993 and have a specialist interest in long term conditions such as Diabetes, Asthma and COPD, Cardiovascular Disease and Heart Failure. I am also trained in the management of patients with minor illness problems. I am a nurse educator with a post graduate certificate in education and work as an associate lecturer for Plymouth University and co teach the asthma/COPD module and teach and lead on the CVD and stroke module in Primary care.
Interests: Swimming, walking on the moor, cycling and yoga.
Janet Graburn
Nurse Practitioner
Independent Nurse Prescriber
Background: Qualified RGN 1987 Worcester. Worked in general surgery/urology/intensive care. Travelled and worked in Australia. Became practice nurse in 2001 in Herefordshire. I then moved to Devon and now work as Practice Nurse and Minor Illness Nurse at Okehampton Medical Centre
Interests: Walking, mountain biking, netball, reading and gardening.
Carolyn Langton
Nurse Practitioner
SRN, Independent Nurse Prescriber, BSc Hons Health Studies. Dip. Asthma/Family Planning/Diabetes
Background: I have worked at the Medical Centre since 2000 and I qualified as a nurse prescriber in 2012. I run diabetes clinics, minor illness clinics and general practice nurse clinics.
Interests: I enjoy walking on Dartmoor and the coastal path, cross-stitch and reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Mark Horsley
Nurse Practitioner
RGN, BSC Health Studies
Background: I qualified in 1991 at Bristol School of Nursing. I worked in RD&E after qualifying and at Okehampton War Memorial Hospital until its closure in 2003 mainly working on the medical ward and in the MIU. I was lead nurse for the MIU and was part of the team who helped plan and oversee the move to the new hospital in Okehampton in 2003. After 25 years working at the Okehampton hospitals I was keen for a new challenge. I was successful in applying to come and work at the medical centre and started here in April 2016. I have a varied, enjoyable and rewarding job which is often very busy and challenging.
Interests: Spending my weekends off with my family and time to enjoy the garden. As well as the occasional round of golf!
Julie Ford
Nurse Practitioner
RGN, BSc Health Studies, Independant Nurse Prescriber
Joanne Wood
Nurse Practitioner
RGN, Independant Nurse Prescriber
Background: I qualified in Bristol in 1984 and have had a varied career in the NHS and Private Practice working on wards, in A&E and Out patients.
For the last 13 years I have been back in A&E working as a Emergency Nurse Practitioner.
In 2018 I joined the team at Okehampton working in Minor Illness and Minor Injuries.
Interests: I am a keen runner and enjoy cycling, gardening and walking. I also love to travel both in the UK and abroad.
Fiona Cook
Nurse Practitioner
BA (Hons), RGN, PGCE, Independant Nurse Prescriber, Queen's Nurse
Background: I qualified as a Nurse in 1985 in Bristol. My first specialty was palliative care working for several years in a Hospice in Hereford. I then moved into General Practice Nursing. I have a special interest in Respiratory Conditions, and support patients of all ages with a wide variety of long term health conditions. I train and mentor nurses and health care assistants through Plymouth University and have worked with National bodies to establish standards of training and competence for these groups.
Interests: I belong to a local church where I learn from working with the children’s group and I love walking our dog, swimming, reading and crafts
Jo Hawken
Practice Nurse
Lauren Isaac
Practice Nurse
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult), RN
Background: I trained for three years at the University of Plymouth and qualified in December 2020. I joined the Practice in March 2021 as a Junior Practice Nurse and plan to continue training to become a Nurse Prescriber. I have a clinical interest in long term conditions, wound care, and research, along with a desire to improve sustainability and reduce waste.
Interests: I love to read, craft, travel, and go on long walks in the countryside – especially with my dog, Otis. I also aspire to write a book one day.
Emily Bowden
Trainee Practice Nurse
Nicky Pedrick
Nurse Associate
Care Certificate, NHS Health Checks, L5 GP Assistant Certificate
Background: I have been at Okehampton Medical Centre since 2008, before that I worked in the leisure industry where I taught swimming and aerobics and promoted healthy living.
Interests: Playing hockey, walking, reading and teaching swimming.
HCAs & Phlebotomists
Kirsty Freeman
Senior HCA & Care Coordinator
Level 3 Diploma Maternity & Peadiatric Support, NVQ L3 Care, L5 GP Assistant, Venepuncture
Background: Started working at Launceston Medical Centre in phlebotomy. Qualified as a Healthcare Assistant February 2006 NVQ3 in care. December 2011 level 3 diploma in maternity and paediatric support. Started working at Okehampton Medical Centre Sept 2012 as a Healthcare Assistant.
Interests: Running, walking, listening to music and spending time with family and friends.
Natasha Phillips
Health Care Assistant
Venepuncture, Care Certificate, L5 GP Assistant Certificate
Background: I have worked at the Okehampton Medical Centre since 2018 starting as just admin support and progressing to becoming a Phlebotomist and Health Care Assistant.
Interests: When not at work I love walking my puppy Ronnie and spending time with family & friends.
Jazzmine Squire
Health Care Assistant
Venepuncture, Care Certificate, L5 GP Assistant
Background: I started working at the Medical Centre in 2018. Starting off as a Receptionist I then recently progressed into becoming a Health Care Assistant.
Interests: When I am not at work I spend my time with my husband and my dogs Winston & Ernie. I also love to travel. My travels have taken me to many places; Egypt, Kenya, Zanzibar, Mexico, Dominican Republic, China and many more.
Ellie Allen
HCA & Trainee Practice Nurse
BTEC Level 3 in Health and Social Care, BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care
Background: I joined the Practice in 2017 starting out as a Receptionist. Within 3 months I became Senior Receptionist and then began my Dispensary training. I soon qualified as a Dispenser and moved towards Team Leading. I have enjoyed being a part of both teams and have learned so much! I'm so excited to start a new chapter now and train as a Healthcare Assistant, embarking on a Registered Nursing Degree later this year. Nursing is a career I’ve always wanted to pursue. Always follow your dreams, believe in yourself and don’t give up!
Interests: I love to paint and draw. I love an adventure and exploring new places, especially with my best furry friend, Max.
Kayleigh Gregory
Health Care Assistant
Venepuncture & Care Certificate
Background: I started at Okehampton Medical Centre in 2019, I was helping with admin but expressed my interest in doing something more clinical. I was given the opportunity to do my Phlebotomy course and I am now doing my training to become a Health Care Assistant which I am really enjoying, the staff and patients have been great!
I previously worked in the care sector working mainly with residents with chronic illnesses which has been an amazing experience and I have gained some great knowledge over the years. Really looking forward to the future and progressing through my care certificate.
Interests: Spending time with my family and my children.
I enjoy going swimming, also exploring where we live, often going for walks on Dartmoor.
Sophie Patrick
Health Care Assistant
Level 2 Health & Social Care Diploma, Venepuncture & Care Certificate
Background: I started working at Okehampton Medical Centre in 2019 as a Housekeeper and progressed to help with the Medical Secretaries and Administration, I then went on to train to be a Phlebotomist and Health Care Assistant. Okehampton Medical Centre has helped me gain confidence in pursuing a career which I love and they have given me so much support.
Interests: My interests are reading, I try and read three books a week if I can find the time. I love spending time with my husband, children and dog and going on family walks or cuddling up together on the sofa watching a film.
Natasha Symonds
HCA & Trainee Nurse Associate
Julie Andrew
Health Care Assistant
NVQ Care level 3. Paediatric First Aid Level 3, Venepuncture Level 3
Background: I have worked at the Okehampton Medical Centre since 2010 as a Phlebotomist, including HCA clinics in the last 5 years. I've lived in Devon since I was 11 years old.
Interests: When not working I enjoy trying different crafts including knitting, sewing, painting etc. We also have a local business making pet products.
Jackie Barrett
Phlebotomist
BSc (Hons) Psychology, PGdip Health Psychology, Venepuncture
Background: I have worked at Okehampton Medical Centre since 2000 as one of the practice Phlebotomists and thoroughly enjoy the patient contact it gives me. Alongside my job here, I have spent many years working in research (mainly in child development, the early diagnosis of cancer & currently in Primary Care Research). I have also worked as a volunteer bereavement visitor for Exeter Hospice.
Interests: Walking and riding on Dartmoor, camping & hostelling, family history research, photography and anything that involves a map!