Somerset Early Years Bridgwater

Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Dr Joanna Clark

I have been a Doctor for 18 years and having 2 young children myself I have experienced at first hand the roller coaster ride of pregnancy. It is never a smooth path but a journey that throws the unexpected at you at every turn! I really value the opportunity Somerset Early Scans gives me to provide people with reassurance or the answers that they seek and I know that the way this care is given makes all the difference. All scans are not equal and a bad experience at the hands of someone with poor communication skills can be traumatic. Equally disappointing is being treated like you are an object on a conveyor belt. Having been a very worried person on numerous occasions both before and during pregnancy I have lived this and pride myself in looking after my patients in a sensitive and individualised way. In addition to working at Somerset Early Scans I work as a GP at Taunton Road Medical Centre in Bridgwater. Before completing my GP training, I worked in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and gained a qualification in this specialty (MRCOG). I then obtained the Certificate in Ultrasound of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare and now perform around 200 early pregnancy and gynaecology scans per year. I have published many articles on the subject of women and newborn health and won several awards. Qualifications: Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Medical Sciences, Member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Member of the Royal College of General Practitioners, Diploma of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, Letter of Competence in Intrauterine techniques, Letter of Competence in Subdermal Implants, Certificate in Ultrasound.

Nurse Practitioner

Angela Nicholson

I have been a nurse for 25 years and am married with 2 teenage daughters. I have worked in Gynaecology for most of my career and now specialise in Early Pregnancy and Fertility, which is very rewarding. I obtained a Diploma in Midwifery from the University of Exeter in 1993 and a Postgraduate Certificate in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Ultrasound from the University of the West of England, Bristol in 2004. I am a trainer in ultrasound and regularly teach students of radiography and Obstetric Registrars how to scan. I have felt honoured to receive several awards for my work in early pregnancy. I know the reassurance that Somerset Early Scans is able to offer is so valuable.

Nurse Practitioner

Debbie Hamilton-Rose

I have worked as a nurse in women’s health, including early pregnancy for over 20 years. I have 2 young boys with my husband and remember the anxieties that come with pregnancy that we are not always prepared for. With this and my current NHS experience; I acknowledge the need for high standard, experienced and reassuring care. I am registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and have a Bachelor of Sciences diploma in Health. Specialising in early pregnancy and fertility has enabled me to qualify as a Sonographer in Early Pregnancy and Gynaecology with a Post Graduate Certificate in Ultrasound. To be able to continue to provide care to women and couples in early pregnancy working with Somerset Early Scans is an opportunity I am delighted to be able to be part of.

Sonographer

Victoria Davis

I have worked as an obstetrics and gynaecology sonographer at senior level for over twenty years at a regional expert NHS centre. I also have extensive experience of private practice, having worked previously at Clarion in Bath. I am a teacher of ultrasound and take a lead role in other aspects of work such as quality assurance. I particularly enjoy early pregnancy scans where my sensitive approach is vital. I have three children and personal experience of pregnancy loss, so I understand the anxiety that expectant mothers and fathers often feel. I find giving my clients the reassurance they are seeking incredibly rewarding and do so with compassion and kindness. I am delighted to be working with Jo and the team at Somerset Early Scans and have the opportunity to help provide the valuable care and support that couples need, not only in the early stages but throughout pregnancy. Qualifications: Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound, Diploma of the College of Radiographers (Bath) Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council, Member of the Society of Radiographers and the public Voluntary Register of Sonographers.

Sonographer

Beata Anderson

I draw great enjoyment from scanning in early pregnancy clinics; getting to know patients in a very unique situation and it makes me feel very special to make a difference in their life by helping them easing their anxiety with reassurance and care. I am delighted to work for Somerset Early Scans and this amazing opportunity to support women and their families to go through this incredible and sometimes challenging period of their life. I am very happy to be the mother of twin boys. My pregnancy was high-risk, so I understand whole-heartedly the anxieties parents feel during their pregnancies. I have worked as a nurse in women’s health, including gynaecology and early pregnancy for over 5 years. Before completing my ultrasound training, I worked in the community as a mental health nurse and as a nursing assistant in a very busy Early Pregnancy Unit in Bristol. Qualifications: Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Ultrasound (UWE), Diploma in Mental health, Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council, Member of the Society of Radiographers.

Sonographer

Sue Jones

I am an experienced sonographer specialising in obstetrics, gynaecology, abdominal and MSK scanning, although obstetrics has always been my favourite! I have a comprehensive knowledge of working in both the NHS and private practice and feel that these opportunities have helped me to become the very best sonographer I can using a sensitive, yet honest approach in order to help ease anxiety and provide reassurance. I am thankful to be part of the wonderful team here at Somerset Early Scans as I realise just how valuable this service is and am looking forward to being part of it. Qualifications: MSc in Medical Ultrasound, BSc in Diagnostic Imaging. Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council, Member of the Society of Radiographers and the British Medical Ultrasound Society.

Practice Manager & CQC Registered Manager

Natalie Lowe

I have a long-established career as a senior manager in women’s healthcare in both the private and public sectors and look after Somerset Early Scans administrative and business functions. As a mother to three children and stepmother to two, and having worked in IVF for over a decade, I have experienced the highs and lows of pregnancy, and have a good understanding of the need to offer kind reassurance and a sensitive support during what can be an anxious time for our patients. I have recently completed a Chartered Management Institute Level 5 Apprenticeship in Leadership and Management and have Chartered Management status. I feel very privileged to be working with such passionate professionals and meet the lovely patients at such a pivotal moment in their lives.

Clinic Assistant

Bridget Jones

My role is Assistant at the clinic based in Elm Hayes Surgery Paulton. I am married with two wonderful children but feel the two babies I lost are still a part of my life that I hold dear and will never forget. Many years ago, I began my working life by becoming a general nurse, working within hospitals in Germany and Bath. I’ve worked within operating theatres and specialised in later years in elderly care and palliative care. After retiring from nursing in 2010 I cared for an elderly friend a couple of times a week and nursed my mum who suffered from dementia. My interests are singing and performing with Rock Choir and have been lucky enough to perform at Longleat House, the Civic Hall in Trowbridge and Hyde Park London with some well-known artists. I love going away in my caravan and feel there is a bit of a gypsy in me…but I felt I was missing something in my life and since I’ve been working for Somerset Early Scans, I feel more complete. I have been working for SES for 3 years now and have loved every minute.

Clinic Assistant

Laura Mawson

I’ve been happily married for 15 years and after 11 years of unexplained infertility am lucky to have two beautiful rainbow boys. I previously worked as Head of Department at an Insurance brokers, while on maternity leave with my first child, I took voluntary redundancy. I saw the role advertised at Somerset Early Sans and as a previous client I jumped at the opportunity and applied. Working at Somerset Early Sans is such a privilege, meeting lovely ladies and their families every day. I can empathise with what some of our ladies are going through and the affects situations can have, not just on the lady but those close to them too. As a busy Mummy, most of my spare time is taken up with playgrounds, Teletubbies and colouring, but I also enjoy swimming ad the odd cocktail or two.

Clinic Assistant

Rebecca Ward

I’m 49 years old with a wonderful daughter of 26 years and a lovely son of 9 years and I consider myself extremely lucky to have them both in my life after experiencing struggles with both pregnancies. This has given me a deeper understanding and empathy for the couples that visit our clinic. It’s a huge privilege to work alongside our patients on their journey but also for such a dedicated wonderful team that go the extra mile to provide such a vital and reassuring service; and speaking from experience I know how vital this is. In my spare time I enjoy walking, swimming, trips to the beach or just going out for coffee and cake.

Clinic Assistant

Alice Mu

Hello I’m Alice, currently pursuing my A levels with a keen interest in healthcare. I know the chaos in studying so just thinking about the challenges of pregnancy truly astounds me I deeply admire those who have experienced it, as it requires immense courage amidst the discomfort and sickness associated with it I know there is still so much to learn but working at SES has improved my ability to communication skills and boosted my confidence in talking to people however being 17 and an introvert I am still slightly on the socially awkward side I may not have the same skills, knowledge and life experience as my colleagues, but I know that we all have one thing in common.. caring about you!! The patient :)) Despite my relatively short time here, I assure you that you are in capable and compassionate hands, your safety and comfort remain our top priorities.