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.

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.

Jess, female

I joined Aspen in September 2026 as a Frailty Nurse. I have a background in acute hospital nursing as well as community urgent care. Working for rapid response as a Band 6 nurse gave me indepth physical assessment and clinical reasoning skills to manage acutely unwell patients at home. I’m passionate about supporting people to remain safely at home and avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions where possible.

Outside of work, I’m a busy mum of two enjoy running, going to the gym and have an obssession with houseplants.

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.