Meet the Team

GP PARTNERS

Dr David Regan

MB ChB 2003 Leicester MRCGP
I was brought up in Brighouse, West Yorkshire and was the first person in my family to go to university.  I graduated from Leicester University in 2003 after considering every speciality as a career and I realised I needed the variety that general practice brings.  I did several jobs in Leicester as a junior doctor gathering experience and then worked in New Zealand for several months. 
I did my GP training in Derby, working at all of the hospitals and did my final year of training in Wirksworth.  I qualified as a GP in 2009 and worked back home in Yorkshire before returning to Derbyshire to work in Duffield.

Dr Helen Fenwick

MB ChB 1998 Liverpool MRCGP, DRCOG, DFSRH
I went to medical school in Liverpool in 1993, having made the decision at the age of 9 that I was going to be a doctor! I stayed in Liverpool with my partner, Mark, where I did hospital jobs in surgery and
orthopaedics. Following the birth of our first two children, we decided to move back to Derby to be near family, and I did my GP training in Chesterfield.  After we had our younger two children, I started work for Derbyshire Health United (the out of hours service) and as part of that worked in a female prison. I also worked at Bradshaw Clinic in Derby in substance misuse and as a police surgeon.
My clinical interests are in women’s health, mental health and
substance misuse.

Dr Annalea Jennison

BA Cambridge BMedSci BMBS Nottingham 2002 DFRSH DRCOG DCH MRCGP
I started out on my career path as a budding chemist at Cambridge, but after seeing the light one year on, swiftly changed to Experimental Psychology and on completion of this degree, then  hot-footed it over to Nottingham to study Medicine as a graduate.
I always knew I wanted to work in General Practice, and did my GP training in a gritty inner-city area in South East London, before then heading to the more leafy suburbs of Notting Hill, then Chiswick and now finally landing here in Duffield.
I am originally from Belper and now live in Little Eaton with my husband and two children.
My clinical interests include Women’s Health and Respiratory Medicine.

Dr Karl Anderson

BA Cambridge BM Southampton MRCGP PGCCE
Born in Winchester, Hampshire, I initially pursued studies in science and graduated with a degree in Natural Sciences from Cambridge.  During this degree it began to dawn on me that I wanted to be a GP and therefore, upon completion, I returned to Hampshire to study Medicine at Southampton.  I worked as a junior doctor in hospitals in South London and Kent before completing my GP training in Dorset.  After qualifying as a GP I worked in a practice in Bournemouth but in 2017 my wife, an Orthopaedic Doctor, and I relocated to Derbyshire for her work.  Not knowing the area that well, I initially worked as a locum GP (including here at Appletree) before joining Appletree as a permanent GP in September 2018.  We are now settled in the beautiful Derbyshire countryside which certainly rivals that of Dorset or Hampshire, and anyway, I get sunburnt on the beach.

SALARIED GP

Dr Melissa Denman

MBChB University of Birmingham 2016 MRCGP 
I grew up in Ilkeston, I decided that I wanted to become a doctor during my A-levels at Heanor Gate School. I completed my medical degree at The University of Birmingham in 2016.  
I did my Foundation training at Chesterfield Royal and The Royal Derby Hospital from 2016-2018. In 2018 following completion of my foundation training, I went to work in New Zealand – securing a job in a rural A&E department and spent the next year working and travelling on the other side of the world. I reluctantly returned to the UK after 1 year after promising my family I would not leave forever!  
In 2019 I spent 12 months working on various medical wards at Royal Derby Hospital before doing my GP training the following year. I was lucky enough to do most of my GP training at this lovely practice – and I loved Appletree so much I asked for a job when I finished my training!  
I am very active outside of work: I previously competed at a good level in triathlon across multiple distances, I now compete in cycling at a national level on the road and closed circuits. You might spot me on a bike around Derbyshire.   

Dr Olivia Hale

MBChB 2015 Birmingham MRCGP
I grew up in Lincoln and decided I wanted to be a doctor during my A-levels. I graduated from University of Birmingham in 2015 where I started my work as a doctor.   In 2017 I spent a year as clinical teaching fellow which involved teaching medical students and this has been the highlight of my career so far. I moved to Derby in 2018 for GP training as my closest friend from Lincoln also happened to be joining the scheme. Additionally, I wanted to be closer to my parents and the countryside. For a relationship I moved to London for a couple of years where I completed my GP training and started working as a GP Locum in Southeast London. I was able to re-locate back to Derby in 2022 and look forward to settling into my new post at Appletree. In my free time I enjoy keeping fit at the gym and going for countryside walks.

Dr Serena Hancox

MBChB 1994 Sheffield MRCGP 2000
I was born in Bristol and moved to Sheffield to study medicine in 1989. Having worked for a year at Rotherham Hospital I moved to Derby to start my GP training in 1995. I qualified in 2000 shortly after which I had my 2 children, then returned to work part-time in General Practice. I have recently returned to practice at Appletree following a career break due to caring responsibilities, during which time I worked as a teaching assistant at Ivy House School for children with multiple disabilities which I loved. It was there I learnt Makaton sign language and have recently been on a basic British Sign language course as well. I am especially interested in supporting patients with different communication needs.
To relax I enjoy walking my Labrador in the Peak District, gardening, wild swimming and crochet.

Dr Hannah Simpson

MBChB Sheffield 2012 BMedSci DRCOG
I graduated from University of Sheffield in 2012 and initially worked as a doctor in Chesterfield and Derby. During this time, I moved to Belper, completely by chance, having never visited Derbyshire. I completed my GP training on the Derby scheme which included spending time at Appletree where I am looking forward to starting my career as a fully qualified GP.
Nearly 10 years after moving to Belper I have settled here with my family and when I am not at work I am likely to be found somewhere in the Peak District.

Dr Agata Nizankowska

MD2017 (Wroclaw) MRCGP
I studied medicine in Wroclaw, Poland, which is where I am originally from. Following my passion for travel and foreign languages, I went on a student exchange year in Alicante, Spain and also later spent time working in Naples, Italy. I then came back to Poland and completed my degree in 2017.
In 2018 I moved to Nottingham, where I started my career as a doctor working in various medical and surgical hospital departments. Although I was initially keen to specialise as an eye surgeon, I quickly realised that I enjoyed general medicine a lot more than eyes! I moved to North Central London for GP training, which consisted of working in GP surgeries in Highgate and Crouch End, as well as working in Obs&Gynae and Paediatrics at the Royal Free Hospital. After completing training in 2024, I relocated back to the Midlands and joined the Appletree team as a salaried GP. At the same time, I started a part-time masters degree in Genomic Medicine at the University of Cambridge.
My clinical interests include women’s health, dermatology and genomics. In my free time I enjoy film photography and darkroom printing, playing tennis and practising Iyengar yoga as well as going on walks in the gorgeous Peak District!

GP REGISTRARS

Dr Azfar Alam

ST3 (12 month placement)

Dr Afaf Elsarraj

ST2 (12 month placement)

CLINICAL PRACTITIONERS

Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACP)

ACPs can prescribe medication, diagnose, manage and refer patients presenting with acute illnesses. They predominantly deal with common ailments such as ear, chest and urine infections.

Amy Armiger

Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner.

Diploma in Adult nursing, BSc Practice Nursing, non-medical prescribing post graduate certificate, and currently undertaking Masters in ACP
I completed my nurses training at Nottingham University in 2009. I have worked in various areas including head and neck surgery, brain injury and oncology. Along the way I have gained knowledge and skills in aspects of acute illness, long term conditions and palliative care. I have completed a Degree in Practice Nursing and module in non-clinical prescribing and am now enjoying my journey to become an Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP).

Rachel Smith

Advanced Clinical Practitioner

1st class Hons degree in Adult Nursing, MSc in Community Specialist Practice, MSc V300 Non-medical prescribing qualification, MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice (due to complete in January 2024).
I am a registered nurse by background, and initially worked in the community as a staff nurse as part of a district nurse team. I became a qualified district nurse, working within various areas in Derby city to facilitate the nursing needs of frail elderly housebound patients.
As a District Nurse, I specialised in end of life care, continence, wound care including the management of lower leg wounds, and the management of spinal injury patients and their long term needs. I joined Appletree Medical Practice as a trainee advanced clinical practitioner in October 2021 following completion of my prescribing qualification and am working towards my advanced practitioner qualification currently.
In my spare time I am a keen water skier.

PRACTICE NURSES

Practice nurses are available by appointment for various treatments, health promotion advice and screening, including smears, immunisations and vaccinations. They are qualified to advise and treat many minor conditions and it may be quicker to see a Practice Nurse than wait for a consultation with your Doctor who nevertheless is always available if you have any cause for concern. They also help manage long term conditions eg. Asthma, Diabetes, COPD, Hypertension etc.

Millie Dolman

I completed my Nurse training at The University of Derby and qualified as a Registered Nurse in 2022.
During my training I worked at Appletree Medical Practice as a Student Nurse.
Since completing my training, I have worked as a Community Nurse based in Allestree and gained experience in wound care, injections, palliative care and much more.
I am keen to develop my skills around supporting patients with Long Term Conditions, in particular Diabetes.
I am very pleased and excited to be working as a Practice Nurse here at Appletree Medical Practice.
In my spare time I enjoy long walks with my dog, Teddy

Charlotte Fowler

I qualified with a Diploma in Adult Nursing from the University of Southampton in 2007. I then moved to Banbury, Oxfordshire to consolidate my training on a busy acute medical ward. After gaining experience in surgical, trauma and orthopaedics, I graduated from DeMontfort University with a degree in Midwifery.  
I returned to nursing in 2017 and have since worked in Intensive Care. I am excited to have made the transition to primary care nursing and look forward to bringing all the knowledge and skills I have gained over the years, along with all the new competencies I am set to learn to provide a high quality of patient care. 
In my spare time I enjoy horse riding, baking and spending time with my husband, son and dog. Our weekends generally involve dog walks and cricket matches. 

Angela Gitto

Claire Lee

Practice Nurse

I have always lived in Derbyshire; some would say I’m a proper country bumpkin. I qualified as a Registered Nurse in 2000 and started my career in Trauma and Orthopaedics’ at the D.R.I, as it was known as then.  I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and stayed for just under 10 years. I then moved into Primary Care. I love the varied role of a Practice Nurse as it involves so many skills and every day is different.
Outside of work I spend a lot of time, especially during the summer months, watching my boys and partner play cricket. During the covid pandemic I learned to crochet, and I find it is a great way to relax and gives a great sense of achievement. 

Kerry Miller

I completed my Nurse training at Nottingham University in 2008. I worked for a number of years in Community Hospitals and as a Community nurse. During this time I gained experience in a number of areas, and have a keen interest in wound care.  After having my two children I took a break from Nursing for 5 years.
Eager to return to work I have completed a Return to Nursing course at Sheffield University.  I am now working at Appletree as a Practice Nurse.
I am very pleased and excited to be working in General Practice.
I like to spend time with my family as much as I can.  I also enjoy catching up with friends and eating out.

NURSE ASSOCIATE

Nurse Associates are able to perform smears, immunisations, blood pressures, ECGs, health checks & wound dressings.

Emma Lenham

Nurse Associate

Jane Mosley

Nurse Associate

FdSc Nursing Associate

HEALTHCARE ASSISTANT

Our very capable HCA has undergone training to enable her to take blood samples, blood pressure, assist with minor surgery, perform ECGs and carry out health checks that do not involve medication.

Jessica Holmes

Senior Healthcare Assistant

Level 3 Health and Social Care Diploma
I attained my diploma of health and social care (levels 2 and 3) at Derby College.
From the age of 16 I have worked in various health care settings including residential and nursing homes, learning disability units, dementia wards, community care and more recently I worked in a GP surgery in Heanor prior to joining Appletree Medical Practice. 
Along the way I have developed a keen interest and gained the relevant knowledge and skills required of a health care assistant and I am especially passionate about wound care. I am also developing my role with respiratory support, undertaking the ARTP qualification in spirometry.
I grew up in Ashbourne but have lived in Alfreton for 12 years with my partner, dog and children. In my spare time I enjoy baking, gardening and reading.
I am the Well-being Champion for the surgery, supporting our clinicians and administration staff to reduce stress and improve their work and also involved in the practice Green Sustainability programme.

 

TRAINEE GP ASSISTANT

GP Assistant is a new role design to aid the GP in daily tasks. They are qualified to perform simple health checks eg. Blood pressures, ECGs, bloods, NHS Health Checks and lifestyle advice. They are also on hand to help manage some of the administrative tasks the GP receives each day. eg. ring patients with results, booking emergency admission etc.

Bea Middleton

Trainee GP Assistant

A

SOCIAL PRESCRIBER

GPs and other agencies can refer people, with their consent, to a Social Prescriber worker who, through shared decision making and personalised care and support planning, will give people time to focus on what matters to them so they can take greater control of their own health and mental well-being. It works well for people with long term conditions; people who are lonely or isolated, have anxiety, depression, and people who have complex social needs linked to well-being. More information is available in this Social Prescribing leaflet.

Judith Kelf

Lisa Stafford

CLINICAL PHARMACISTS

Sarah Baxter

Tom Gray

Jabeen Nazir

CARE CO-ORDINATORS

June Mendham

Jessica Roberts

June reviews patients’ needs and helps to access the services and support they require to understand and manage their own health and wellbeing, referring to social prescribing link workers, community health team, and other professionals where appropriate. More information is available in this leaflet.

MIDWIFE – University Hospital of Derby & Burton

Our Midwife cares for and supports pregnant women, their partners and new babies before, during and after the birth. They monitor the health of the mother, counsels on health issues and explains the options for delivery of the baby. Their role also involves reassuring parents, running antenatal and parenting classes, taking care of the mother and baby during labour and birth and giving advice on breast feeding.

HEALTH VISITORS – Derbyshire Community Health Services

The Health Visitor for the Practice will monitor your child’s growth and development, answer any child health queries and help parents to cope with children under five, advising on such matters as hygiene, safety, feeding and sleeping. They also co-ordinate child immunisation programmes and organise special clinics or drop-in centres. They can also provide you with help and information on such related issues as emotional problems, relationship difficulties, family planning and health problems.

MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER

Andy Glaves

Nicola Murphy

Specialist nurses, who are trained to help patients with mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, or a relapse of previous mental health issues.

FIRST CONTACT PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Patients with Muscular Skeletal conditions, such as Knee, Hip, Back pain, can bypass the appointment with a GP and get an appointment directly with a specialist physiotherapist.

ADMINISTRATION TEAM

MANAGEMENT TEAM

Lianne Burke

Practice Manager

Nicola Kirby

Assistant Practice Manager

Kelly Meredith

HR & Compliance Lead

RECEPTION TEAM

Jenna Hickmott

Reception Team Leader

Sarah Atkinson

Cheryl Bailey

Jaymee Black

Joanne Griffiths

Diana Higman

Julianne Kinder

Michelle Mellor

Janet Richardson

Tracy Russell

Shirley Searson

Donna Steer

Katie Worthington

SECRETARIAL TEAM

Michelle Brown

Fiona McAllister

Katy Heath

Jeanette Wilton

CLINICAL ADMINISTRATOR

Wendy Boiling

Lisa Cicinski

Charlotte Egan

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR

Charlotte Bannister

Zinat Halimy

SUMMARISER

Judith Barker

ACCOUNTS

Charlotte Smith