Speciality team

Rachel Bucknell, female

I qualified as RGN (Adult Nursing) in 2008 and achieved my qualification as a non-medical prescriber in 2014. I subsequently became a specialist practitioner in community nursing in 2016. As the community matron, my day-to-day role includes managing frail, complex patients at home. I play an active role in reviewing these patients’ medication and aim to de-prescribe unnecessary medication. My work involves a multi-disciplinary approach and collaborative working with a number of different agencies – with the patient as the primary focus. I am an avid Gloucester Rugby supporter and season ticket holder. I love skiing and road biking.

Jeff Woods, male

I worked as a Paramedic for 12 years with SWAST and joined the Aspen Frailty Team this year. I enjoy running and cycling. I am a keen ‘spotter’ and am always trying to improve the biodiversity in my own garden with considerate planting and habitat provision. I share my home with my two tortoises Marvin and Harry. I volunteer for Vale Wildlife Hospital and regularly deliver hedgehog rehabilitation. Vale Wildlife Hospital (started 1997 – various roles both employed and voluntary since then – still regularly deliver hedgehog rehabilitation in association with BHPS). Worked with horses prior to ’97 – roles include: instructor/groom/training jockey in Australia/NZ.

Lena Podmore, female

I have 30 years’ experience working with the elderly. I worked in Community Nursing for 20 years’ as a HCA and a Band 4 Assistant Practitioner prior to joining the Frailty team in Dec 2019 as a Social Prescriber. I am originally form Cornwall but moved up to Gloucester 10 years ago due to my husband military posting who is in the Royal Navy. I am a busy mum of two who take up most of my free time. When I get the time I like to run or try any sort of exercise.

Glenda Gill, female

I qualified as a nurse in 2004. I started my career on the Cardiology ward in Gloucester Royal Hospital and went on to specialise in Heart Failure and Diabetes. My long term conditions experience led me to a love of ‘Frailty’ and I joined the ‘Frailty Team’ here at the Aspen Medical Practice in March 2023. In my spare time I like to keep active, I regularly run and do strength and conditioning work as well as the occasional small triathlon. I am a very involved Grandma and spend a lot of my weekend having fun with my three grandchildren.

Helen Richardson

Social prescriber

I started at Aspen in September 2022 after spending 20+ years in charity management working for organisations committed to improving the health and wellbeing of people in many different ways. I have a passion for working alongside patients as they navigate their own health and wellbeing path, ensuring that what is most important to the patient remains the focus of our work together. Social prescribing with a focus on Mental Health is a new service at Aspen Medical Practice. Our team works closely with the Doctor and Nursing teams here to ensure that each patient referred to us has the space and support to identify what good mental health and wellbeing looks like for them. We will then help to access and or signpost the patient towards practical and emotional support offered locally.

Frankie Andango

Learning disabilities matron

I qualified from the University of the West of England as a learning disability nurse. I am originally from Kenya (…and no, I don’t run 😊). I joined the Practice in May 2022 in a new role as an LD Matron. I have previously worked at the National Star College for 10 years; five years as a facilitator and five years as a practice nurse. Besides work, I am a ‘football mum’, I have two boys who are actively engaged in football hence most of my time outside work is spent facilitating that. I am a great advocate for learning disability and feel privileged to have the opportunity to facilitate this role in primary care service.