Primary Care Network

Our team

Meet the people supporting services and collaboration across our network.

David Atherton

Dr David Atherton

Clinical Director

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Qualified from Leicester University in 1990 and then undertook the GP training scheme at Burton Hospital qualifying in 1995. Worked as a Locum in Australia before returning to the UK and securing a partnership at Balance Street in Uttoxeter in 1997. Since then has undertaken a variety of roles in East Staffs as an education facilitator , QOF assessor, governance lead, commissioning lead and chair of East Staffordshire Primary Care Partnership before being elected as Clinical Director for the Primary Care Network in 2019. Enjoys football, rugby, cycling and skiing . 

Sarah Laing

Sarah Laing

Executive Lead

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Sarah is an experienced NHS Leader who has a strong clinical, organisational development, project management and business  background. Sarah has a demonstrable history of Public Health leadership, Organisational and Cultural Transformation and Primary Care Development, she is passionate about optimising primary care.

Emma Colclough

Emma Colclough

Chief Operating Officer

Tracey Norton

Tracey Norton

Digital Transformation Lead

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Tracey's role as the Digital Transformation Lead is crucial for our PCN development, with 23 years of NHS Primary Care experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge. Her main focus is providing digital solutions enabling Primary Care Resilience. This includes implementing new technologies, optimizing workflows, enhancing communication between practices and scoping new and exciting innovations. Digital Integration and Interoperability are key drivers for her and Digital poverty and Exclusion are challenges that Tracey is passionate about addressing. 

She is dedicated to leveraging innovation and technology to create positive change in the healthcare systems.

Annemarie Rijswijk FCCA MAAT

Annemarie Rijswijk FCCA MAAT

Finance Manager

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Annemarie is a qualified accountant with 10 years’ experience of working in the primary care practice finance. She has been the Finance Lead for East Staffordshire PCN since 2019. As well as overseeing the PCN’s financial operations, Annemarie provides financial management guidance and support to the management team and the board. She is also the contact for all PCN payment queries.

Debbie Melling

Debbie Melling

Communities Manager

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Debbie has over 15 years’ experience working in NHS primary care and is now working in the innovative role of PCN Community and vaccine centre manager. Her unwavering commitment to making a positive difference to people's lives has earned her the prestigious Impact on the Community Award, and she has created massive cultural and connectivity change across East Staffordshire through the implementation of the Joy App, our new and innovative community connectivity platform.

With a track record of excellence in healthcare management, a heart for community service, and a genuine love for her four-legged companions, Debbie continues to be an inspiring figure in the healthcare community and beyond.

Lisa Carter

Lisa Carter

PCN Management Support

Rachael Brown

Rachael Brown

Research Manager

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Rachael has worked for the NHS for the past 22 years and over the last 10 years as Practice Manager for a local GP Practice.  Rachael was employed by the Primary Care Network in September 2022 following a successful Improvement and Innovation bid to interact with commercial and non-commercial organisations, coordinating and delivering research at scale across East Staffordshire and the wider locality.  Rachael’s role will ensure East Staffordshire and the wider locality remain attractive to study sponsors, maintain our presence in the world of research and ensure our patient’s experience is greater due to research studies available.

Ryan Hampson-Miller

Ryan Hampson-Miller

Communications & Media

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Operations Manager at Balance Street Practice with a background in healthcare operations and a passion for patient-centered care. Ryan joined the NHS in 2021, bringing experience as Operations Manager at Winshill Medical Centre, then was the Practice Manager at Alrewas Surgery for 2 years. Prior to healthcare, he worked as a marketing professional and IT consultant, combining strategic and technical expertise. With a keen interest in leveraging IT to improve patient outcomes, Ryan is committed to enhancing efficiency and delivering exceptional care.