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.

Rosie, female

I am the Frailty Care Co-ordinator. I joined Aspen as part of the reception team in March 2025 and then joined the Frailty team in March 2026. In my unique role I carry out a variety of tasks from admin assistance to patient non-medical visits. I have 2 guinea pigs called John-Pig and Stanley and I love to bake. I have recently taken up running.

Frankie Andango, female

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.