Meet the Team

	Dr Arti Patel – PCN Clinical Director Hello, I’m Arti and I am the Clinical Director for Sandhills PCN and a GP at Sandy Health Centre. In my free time I love to travel, walking and trekking and reading biographies!
	Kelly Houghton – PCN Manager
	Ashley Persaud – PCN Digital Transformation Lead Hi I’m Ashley. I have worked in General Practice for over 15 years before joining Sandhills PCN. Throughout my career, I have gained extensive experience supporting patients and working as part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality care within the community. In my free time I enjoy baking, which allows me to be creative as well as spending quality time with my family.
	Caroline Allford – PCN Emergency Care Practitioner Hi I’m Caroline. I was working as a paramedic for the London Ambulance Service for 17 years prior to starting at Sandhills PCN. I currently do clinics at our surgeries that deal with minor health problems and minor injuries. Outside of work I enjoy travel and spending time with friends and family.
	Kabi Habib – PCN Advanced Nurse Practitioner Hi I am Kabi, Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Mental Health. Prior to joining the PCN, I worked in secure and acute mental health wards, older adults and triage . My longest service being with the Early Intervention In Psychosis team for 12 years . I take pleasure in spending time with my family, running, music and having a quiet me time.
	Itayi Rushwaya – PCN Clinical Pharmacist Hi I am Itayi and I joined the Primary Care Network after many years of community pharmacy. I love to learn and continuously develop myself. Outside of work I enjoy cooking, gardening and spending quality time with my family and friends.
	Samantha Merrick – PCN Clinical Pharmacist Hi, I’m Sam. I’m a Pharmacist based at Sandy Health Centre. Before moving into this role in 2023, I was a community pharmacist for 4 years. I enjoy gardening, swimming, walking, reading books, going to watch live music, especially going to Glastonbury festival (which I’ve been to 3 times!). I don’t have any pets, but I love dogs.
	Krishna Bollam – PCN Clinical Pharmacist
	Priya Mylvaganam – PCN Pharmacy Technician Hi I’m Priya and I’m a pharmacy technician with experience in a community pharmacy setting, and after ten years, I have moved into primary care. I’m looking forward to expanding my clinical knowledge. I find it challenging but I love it. I enjoy reading books, gardening and spending time with my family and friends.
	Mark Brennan – First Contact Physiotherapist Hi I’m Mark and I am a First Contact Physiotherapist for Sandhills PCN. When I am not spending time with family and friends, I like going to the gym walking the dog and attempting to play golf!
	Paul Draper – First Contact Physiotherapist Hi I’m Paul and I am a First Contact Physiotherapist for Sandhills PCN. In my spare time I like to engage with outdoor pursuits including walking and camping. I also enjoy keeping active by playing Tennis, Badminton and occasionally mountain biking. In my down time I like to spend time in the garden or going to the local theatre.
	Farah Anverkhan – First Contact Physiotherapist Hi I’m Farah and I am a First Contact Physiotherapist for Sandhills PCN. In my leisure time, I like reading books, cooking and trying new food. I also love to travel and listen to music.
	Matthew Long – First Contact Physiotherapist
	Danyeal Thraves – PCN Care Coordinator
	Sarah Stringer – PCN Care Home Care Coordinator
	Deborah Taylor – Social Prescriber Hi, I’m Deb and I am a social prescriber for Biggleswade patients of Sandhills PCN. I enjoy acting and am in the local Amateur Theatrical Society, BATS. I love to read and exercise and spend time with family and friends. I also run a weekly wellbeing hub and a Facebook group focused on wellbeing.
	Sarah Henderson – Social Prescriber Hello. My name is Sarah and I am a social prescriber for Sandy patients of Sandhills PCN. I have worked in the health and social care sector since the late 1990’s in different parts of England. When I’m not at work I enjoy cycling and spending time with family.
	Gemma Essam – PCN Health and Wellbeing Coach Hi, I’m Gemma and I am the health and wellbeing coach for Sandhills PCN. Although I have worked in similar roles before I have just moved into primary care and look forward to all this entails. I enjoy spending time with my family and children, I am a keen reader and baker and love complimentary therapies and alternative treatments.
	Joesph McDonnell – PCN General Practitioners Assistant
	Tara Day – PCN General Practitioners Assistant Hi my name is Tara, I am new to the PCN and based in Saffron Health Centre. I have worked in care homes for the last 12 years working my way up from HCA to Advanced Healthcare Practitioner. I moved over to primary care in June this year starting as a prescriptions clerk and am very much looking forward to applying my skills and knowledge to my new role in the PCN. When I’m not at work I love spending time with my family.