OUR STAFF

GP Partners

DR BRIAN MCLACHLAN

MB, ChB (1983 Glasgow), MRCGP (1988). ALS Provider (2010). On Obstetrics List, on Minor Surgery List.

Dr McLachlan is a GP Trainer in the Practice. He is also Locality Clinical Director for Helensburgh & the Lochside and has an appointment with NHS Educational for Scotland as an Associate Advisor for Continuing Professional Development. Dr McLachlan is also the Quality and Safety Lead for Argyll & Bute. Dr McLachlan also participates in the GP Out-of-Hours Integrated Care Rota for Acute Medicine at the Vale of Leven Hospital.

DR PAULINE FERNS

MBChB (2007 Glasgow), DRCOG (2012), MRCGP (2013), LoC IUT (2023)

Dr Ferns was born in Glasgow and chose to study for a science degree in Anatomy prior to gaining her medical degree at the University of Glasgow. She graduated with a B.Sc (Hons) in 2002. Dr Ferns joined the practice in 2013, becoming a partner in 2014. She worked as an Integrated Care GP in Acute Medicine and the Out of Hours GP service at the Vale of Leven Hospital from 2013 to 2017. She became a qualified GP Trainer in 2021 having completed her training with NHS Education for Scotland. She is the Educational Supervisor for several of our GP registrars who rotate through the practice. Dr Ferns has completed her qualifications in IUD/IUS coil insertion and currently runs fortnightly coil fitting clinics in the practice.

DR TARA MOONEY

MBChB (2008 Glasgow), DRCOG (2013), MRCGP (2014)

Originally from Belfast, Dr Mooney studied medicine at the University of Glasgow. She joined the Practice in 2015, becoming a Partner in 2016. Dr Mooney also participated in the GP Out of Hours Integrated Care Rota for Acute Medicine at the Vale of Leven Hospital from 2015 to 2022. Dr Mooney became a qualified GP Trainer in 2023 and is the Educational Supervisor for several of our GP Registrars who rotate through the practice

GP's

DR AMARA UCHE

M.B.B.S. (2003), MPH (2014 Liverpool), MRCGP (2023 Scotland)

Dr Uche graduated from Medical School in Nigeria in 2003 and has gathered a wealth of experience in different areas including Paediatrics, HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, Radiology and Sleep Medicine. She also ventured into Public Health and has worked with several Non-governmental Organisations involved in the provision of Healthcare in Africa and has a Masters Degree in Public Health from the University of Liverpool. She worked in Canada around treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea before deciding to work in General Practice which offered her a holistic approach to patient care. She has special interests in Menopause Care, Reproductive and Lifestyle Medicine.

DR ELIZABETH DICKER

MB BChir (2016), MA (Cantabs), MRCGP (2024)

Originally from Yorkshire, Dr Dicker gained a degree in Pharmacology and her medical degree in Cambridge before moving to Scotland in 2016. She has worked in the Vale of Leven General Medicine service and currently works as an Integrated Care GP, delivering Acute Medical care at the Vale of Leven Hospital. Dr Dicker is also the Lifeboat Medical Advisor for Helensburgh RNLI and has an interest in medical education. She lives in Helensburgh with her husband and 3 cats.

DR AISLING GILBERT

MBChB (2018 Aberdeen), BSc (Hons) Medicine (2015, St Andrews), MRCGP (2024)

Originally from Paisley, Dr Gilbert studied pre-clinical medicine at the University of St Andrews, moving to Aberdeen for her clinical studies, graduating in 2018. She undertook a Broad Based Training Program, gaining experience in Paediatrics, General Internal Medicine and Psychiatry , before completing her GP training with the practice.

Registrars

We are pleased to be recognised as a training practice for General Practitioners. As such, we welcome fully qualified doctors in their first and final years of speciality training for general practice to work with us. A Registrar is a doctor who has at least 3 years hospital training and has chosen to specialise in General Practice. This means that at any time there could be a Registrar working alongside the established Partners. The Registrars can be attached to the Practice from 6 to 18 months depending on their training programme. They will be supervised when in practice by their Trainer, which is one of the regular GP Partners. As part of their training they are expected to video a number of consultations and we are grateful to those patients who permit this.

DR JACK OSBORNE

DR ANUM ABDUL MAJEED

Nurse Practitioners

Our Nurse Practitioners offer a wide variety of expertise in many different clinical areas. They have all completed years of training and are here to help provide the highest level of quality care to our patients.

MOIRA MCLACHLAN

BA in Community Health Nursing (General Practice Nursing) with Specialist Practice, RGN, RM, RCGP Dip Asthma Care, FP Cert.,

Extended Independent & Supplementary Nurse Prescriber.

JANE SCHMIDT

BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies, RGN, RM, Asthma Dip FP Cert, Dip of Advanced Nurse Practice

Extended Independent & Supplementary Nurse Prescriber

MARGO FERGUSON

Registered General Nurse, BSc Heath Studies, Asthma dip cert, COPD dip cert, Independent & supplementary prescriber. Msc study

Advanced Patient Assessment & Management. Clinical decisions. Recognition & Management of the acutely unwell adult.

SARAH KING

Diploma in Adult nursing, Bsc in Nursing Studies, Msc Advanced Nurse Practitioner Nurse Independent/ Supplementary Prescriber

KATIE TAYLOR

BSc(Hons) Social Policy and Criminology, MSc Nursing (court medal award), Independent/ supplementary prescriber , PGDip Advanced Nursing Practice

LISA DARROCH

BSc Adult Nursing (2012) experienced in oncology nursing and community nursing with District Nursing Team. Independent/supplementary prescriber

CAROL ORMISTON

BSc Adult Nursing, RGN, Tissue Viability Link Nurse & Dip Cert in Diabetes Management. Independant/Supplementary Prescriber. Trainee ANP completing the Advanced Nurse Practitioner MSc course.

Treatment Room Nurses/CTAC Team

The treatment room is staffed Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. The treatment room duties are covered by Sister Carol Ormiston and also members of the local CTAC (Community Treatment & Care) team. The CTAC team also cover treatment room services within the locality.

Healthcare Assistants

Our HCA's carry out blood tests, Vitamin B12 injections, some vaccinations and work closely with our Practice Nurses. Are HCA's are Jane Keightley and Elaine Swanson.

Practice Management

Our Practice Manager is involved in the day to day running of the Practice. She is involved in all business aspects and human resources as well as staff & patient wellness and health and safety. She is supported by an excellent administrative team.

TRACEY GALLIERS

Care Advisors / Admin

Care advisors have a very demanding role and endeavour to meet the needs of all patients. They are there to assist you and will ask for some information from you to ensure you receive the highest level of care from the right person at the right time. The whole admin team, including the Practice Manager, are involved in ensuring the Practice provides a safe and high quality of care to all patients. They organise and navigate all appointments and documentation to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the Practice.

FIONA MCKAY

Data/IT

MICHELLE WALLACE

Data/IT

LEANNE MONTGOMERY

Medical Secretary

ELAINE BROWN

SHARON GILBERT

MORAG MASON

JILL KENNEDY

ELAINE FERRIER

LISA BLACK

ANNE-MARIE FLANNIGAN

LOUISE DAVIS

KELLY MCKENDRICK

LAURA BAIRD

JILLIAN POLLOCK

JACQUELINE GILBSON

ELAINE SWANSON

Physiotherapists

Our physiotherapy team can see all patients over 16 years of age with musculoskeletal problems to offer advice. Appointments can be booked in advance. The physiotherapists are Rhona Hamilton, Liz Taylor and Fiona Charlton.

Community Nurses

The District Nurses are core members of the primary health care team and liaise directly with all community care agencies. Health care assessment, health advice, diabetic care, terminal care, bereavement visiting and incontinence promotion, together with wound care, are just a few of the wide range of services provided. District Nurses are available from 8.30am - 4.30 pm, seven days a week (Tel. 01436-655026). The evening nursing service works from 10pm - 8.30am and provides care as directed by the day service, when it is required (Tel. 01389-828307).

Community Midwives

The community midwives provide individualised care to women during pregnancy and childbirth. They will liaise between the primary health care team and the hospital obstetric team, in planning and implementing care. Telephone no: 01389 817 232

Health Visitors

The Health Visitors are registered nurses with a special interest in family health, public health and health promotion. They offer support with any issues which may affect the physical or emotional well being of individuals or families at any age. Their work with the under fives and families includes all aspects of child health and development; parenting, including management of feeding, sleep or behaviour problems; management and support of lifestyle stresses including depression. Health Visitors carry out health needs assessments for the elderly, offering advice and on-going support as required. They work closely with the social work department and other statutory and voluntary organisations. In addition they collaborate with local nurseries, schools and youth groups and attend many public functions where they promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. The Health Visitors also run a variety of clinics and support groups including smoking cessation, weight management, continence promotion and enuresis (bed wetting). Should you wish to speak to a Health Visitor, they can be contacted on (Tel. 01436-655145 - 24 hour answering machine).

Pharmacy

We have a team of prescribing pharmacists attached to the Practice. They work within the team providing help and support to patients and clinicians. Our pharmacist is Denise Gilchrist supported by pharmacy technicians.