A photo of Desi Gillespie, First Contact Practitioner / AHP Ambassador
Written by Laura Bryden, 19/02/2024 

What are your roles outside the ARRS Ambassador position? 

First Contact Physiotherapist. 

Why did you want to take on the role of ARRS Ambassador? How will you be a good advocate for your role? 

I feel very strongly that Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) can make a positive difference to primary care services. However, it is a new and challenging environment for us and so we need to work together to support one another and help our services grow. 

What are the top three things you would like to achieve as part of the ARRS Ambassadors team? 

I would like to create peer support networks for each of the 5 AHP professional groups. 
 
I would like to instigate a training programme that meets the needs of our AHP colleagues who are new to primary care. 
 
I would like to help PCNs to help their AHP employees feel supported and valued. 

What are your initial aims and plans to connect your role peers across the whole of Nottingham and Notts to develop a community of practice? How can they get in touch to join this network? 

We have a WhatsApp group, AHP colleagues can email us to request to join. 
 
My email address is Laura.Bryden2@nhs.net 

How would you like to engage and collaborate with PCN/Practice management teams to support the ARRS workforce? 

We are available to attend PLT sessions virtually or in person to discuss our roles and how to help AHPs in primary care reach their potential. 

What do you like to do in your free time? 

I like to be outside and moving whether that is walking, running, cycling or chasing my little boy around the park. 

Favourite holiday destination you would recommend? 

I go to the North Norfolk Coast every year and it is one of my very favourite places. 
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If you could be any animal for a day, what would you choose and why? 

Definitely a cat, to nap all day. 

Any recent films or TV shows you have watched that you would recommend? 

For light-hearted TV, I would recommend Schitt’s Creek on Netflix. 

What are you looking forward to most over the next six months of the project? 

I hope we can put on some training events that make a difference to AHP colleagues everyday experience of working in primary care. 

Learn more about Laura, her workstreams and NATH... 

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