Nurses

Jo Burch

Practice Nurse
I have been at the practice for over twenty years, over this time my role has gradually expanded and I have completed both the Family Planning Certificate and also the Diploma in Managing Asthma.
I started my nursing career in 1976 initially working in hospital Medical wards. I then went on to complete Midwifery training and worked both in the NHS and private sectors as a midwife.
I initially worked as a District Nurse in Harrow and eventually became both a nurse mentor and trainer.

In my spare time I enjoy playing tennis and spending time with my family.

Kristina Carter

BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies

Practice Nurse
I joined the practice in May 2019 and am thoroughly enjoying working with all the team! I started my nursing career in 1998 on a medical ward, I did some agency nursing in various specialties while travelling then I worked in A&E when I returned. I have been a practice nurse since 2003. I achieved my asthma diploma and certificate in diabetes, I have also completed the ARTP spirometry certificate.
I am an independent supplementary prescriber.

In my spare time I enjoy walking and I love to travel.

Jean Elliott

Healthcare Assistant – HCA
I passed my NVQ in Care Level 2 in June 2005 and NVQ level 3 in Clinical Healthcare Skills in July 2007. I have worked as a HCA in General Practice since 2004, joining the Abbotsbury Practice in January 2011.
I trained as a smoking cessation adviser in 2006 and am always pleased to support patients who wish to stop smoking.

When time allows I enjoy being out in the fresh air, carrying out conservation tasks in local nature reserves, bird watching and walking.

Practice Nurses

Practice Nurses are fully trained in a wide range of skills including immunisations, health promotion, contraception and management of long-term conditions e.g. advise on diet and lifestyle choices, coronary heart disease, hypertension, asthma, diabetes, smoking cessation and obesity. Practice Nurses can extend their skills at Diploma Level and see many patients who previously would have seen the Doctor.

The Nursing Team run various Nurse-led clinics for diabetes, asthma, coronary heart disease and COPD as well as providing general nursing services, dressings, removal of sutures and blood tests.

Healthcare Assistants

Healthcare Assistants are non-registered Nursing staff who assist in patient care and Practice related duties, as directed by and under the supervision of a Registered Healthcare Professional (including Lead Practice Nurse, Practice Manager and GPs). Healthcare Assistants work collaboratively with the General Practice Team to meet the needs of patients, and provide essential task-orientated services like taking blood pressure and carrying out chronic disease checks. They play a crucial role in supporting the Clinical Team.

We also have a pharmacist and HCA with us once a week from the primary care network to assist with patient care.

Jean Elliott (HCA) supports the Doctors and Nurses by carrying out a range of tasks including wound dressings, healthy lifestyle advice, blood pressure checks diabetic foot checks. The receptionists will direct you to the best person for your requirements.