GMC Number: 6034189

Year of first qualification: 2003, MBBS equivilant, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia

Specialty: Radiology 

Clinical interest: Director of Avon Breast Screening. Breast Imaging

Secretary: Janette Burnette

Telephone: 0117 414 9014

Dr Alexandra Valencia is a Consultant Radiologist with a Specialist Interest in all aspects of Breast Imaging and Breast Intervention including screening and symptomatic patients, stereocore biopsies and excisions, Breast MRI, MR guided biopsies and CT staging.   She is the Clinical Director Avon Breast Screening Unit.

GMC Number: 6041448

Year & location of first qualification: 1997, University of Calcutta, India

Specialty: Gynaecology and Obstetrics

Clinical interests: Urogynaecology, Colposcopy, medical education

Secretary: Emma Thompson

Telephone number: 0117 4146751

Miss Sanchita Sen qualified in India and has got experience of working in both India and the UK.

Miss Sen trained in the Oxford and the Severn regions before qualifying and being appointed as a consultant at Southmead Hospital in 2012.

She has special interests in prolapse and incontinence, colposcopy, medical education and general obstetrics and gynaecology.

She is a member of BSUG (British Society for Urogynaecology) and IUGA (International Urogynaecological).

The South West Neuromuscular Operational Delivery Network (SWNODN) has been tasked with improving knowledge of neuromuscular conditions as well as training local teams of allied health professionals to deliver better, safer and equitable care in the South West. To achieve this, SWNODN specialists provide a variety of training and development opportunities. Many of the training and development requirements need to be delivered face to face, however, the SWNODN is also working to develop online e-learning for staff working in primary and secondary care.

General Practitioners and other healthcare professionals

Royal College of General Practitioners - Neuromuscular Disorders e-learning course

Muscular Dystrophy UK, in collaboration with the Royal College of General Practitioners, has produced an e-learning course for healthcare professionals which discusses the presentation and prognosis of the more common neuromuscular diseases.  Please click on this link: http://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/course/index.php?categoryid=8 and select the "Neuromuscular Disorders" module. (free registration will be required)

Our Neuromuscular Advisors would also be happy to come along to your GP practice to answer any questions and provide information on what non-clinical support they can offer your patients in the community.  Please contact 0117 4141184 to discuss your requirements.

Physiotherapists

Specialist Neuromuscular Physiotherapists attend paediatric and adult neuromuscular clinics around the region, providing specialist physiotherapy advice and support to patients. Community therapists are very welcome to attend these clinics with their patients to help facilitate communication and collaboration. SWNODN Neuromuscular Physiotherapists are also a resource to therapy teams around the South West for training in various aspects of assessment and treatment of neuromuscular conditions, as well as offering joint visits and ongoing advice and support.

Adult Physiotherapy e-learning module

Muscular Dystrophy UK has worked with Kingston University & St George's University of London and the MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCLH to develop an e-learning module on neuromuscular conditions for physiotherapists.  Aimed at community and neuro-physiotherapists, the module focuses on 11 short topics that develop critical understanding of the management of muscle wasting conditions.  The course is free and can be accessed via this link Physiotherapy Management in Neuromuscular Diseases.

If you would like further details about opportunities for training in your region, or would like to arrange for a SWNODN Neuromuscular Physiotherapist to deliver some training for your team, please contact the SWNODN and become an Affiliate Member of the Network to be the first to know about any training scheduled in your area.

Clinical Psychologists

Specialist Psychology support is available in the South West for mental health and peripheral support services. Support can be provided for triaging patient care, providing CPD on invited topics and facilitating peer supervision around condition specific issues / questions.

Limited direct therapeutic support is offered for patients presenting with issues directly related to adjustment to a neuromuscular conditions. However, mental health needs are generally considered appropriate for referral to mainstream child and adult mental health services, with access to the Network’s Specialist Psychologists available if required.

Nursing/AHPs/Social Care

The South West Neuromuscular Operational Delivery Network (SWNODN) Neuromuscular Advisors would be happy to advise other health and social care professionals about specific neuromuscular conditions and can provide a valuable knowledge resource around support for patients in their area through charitable organisations, hospices, etc.
The SWNODN Advisors are based within acute hospitals and therefore can assist with discharge of patients who may need complex arrangements in the community. They can provide in-house training about neuromuscular conditions and the patient pathway through the SWNODN services.

What does a Neuromuscular Care Advisor do?

How can I access the Neuromuscular Advisor service?

What Services are available in my area?

I'm a carer, what support is available for carers in my area?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patients can be referred to the neuromuscular clinics by their GP, Neurologists or Paediatrician via the normal referral route for the hospital that the clinic is held in.

If you are a patient who has had a confirmed diagnosis of a neuromuscular condition covered by the SWNODN, you may already be receiving care from a Consultant Paediatrician or Neurologist in your local hospital. 

Sometimes your local hospital doctor may seek specialist advice from, or refer you to, a SWNODN Consultant Neurologist. 

If you would like further information and advice about attending one of the SWNODN’s neuromuscular clinics, or would like to get in touch with the Neuromuscular Advisor for your area, please contact the Network office.

 

 

Unfortunately, we do not currently hold neuromuscular clinics in the Wiltshire area. However, you would be in the catchment area for the Bristol (BNSSG) clinics.

There may be other support and resources in the Wiltshire area that you can access. We suggest you go to Muscular Dystrophy UK's support page which includes a search function to help find services/support in your area. 

Please also remember that you can contact your Neuromuscular Advisor in between clinic appointments if you need any advice or support.

Information on neuromuscular clinics are available to you in Somerset. If you are unsure about any of the information please contact the Network Coordinator.  For any specific information about neuromuscular clinic appointments, please contact the relevant hospital or speak to your Neuromuscular Advisor.

To find out about other support and resources in your area, you may find Muscular Dystrophy UK's Neuromuscular Support and Resources Hub helpful. This includes an interactive map in which you can select your location and service/support required. 

In our Virtual Advisor section we have also created some Resource Packs for each county which you may find helpful.

Please also remember that you can contact your Neuromuscular Advisor in between clinic appointments if you need any advice or support.

Paediatric Neuromuscular Clinics

The SWNODN consultants do not currently provide a paediatric neuromuscular clinic in Somerset.  The closest paediatric neuromuscular clinic for families in Somerset would be in Bristol.  Please click on the Bristol link to find out more. 

Transition Clinics

The SWNODN consultants do not currently provide a designated neuromuscular transition clinic in Somerset.  However, we do have close links with the local Paediatricians in Somerset who may attend Dr Merrison’s Adult Neuromuscular Clinic in Taunton on the afternoon of the second Monday of the month.  This can be discussed with your Paediatrician and Dr Merrison prior to attending the adult clinic. The aim of the joint appointment is to help with the smooth transfer of children and their families from paediatric to adult neurology services.

Adult Neuromuscular Clinics

Location:	Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton
Who will you see:	Dr Stefen Brady, Consultant Neurologist Nicola Grose (nee Doran), Neuromuscular Physiotherapist Ann Morgan, Neuromuscular Advisor
Details:	Dr Brady holds a neuromuscular clinic on the 2nd Monday morning of every month.
Contact Details:	Enquiries about neuromuscular clinic appointments can be made via 01823 342139.
Useful information:	Directions and Parking

Joint Clinics

The SWNODN consultants do not currently provide any joint specialty clinics in Somerset.  The closest joint clinics for families in Somerset would be in Bristol.

Information on neuromuscular clinics are available to you in Gloucestershire. If you are unsure about any of the information, please contact the Network Coordinators.  For any specific information about neuromuscular clinic appointments, please contact the relevant hospital or speak to your Neuromuscular Advisor.

To find out about other support and resources in your area, you may find Muscular Dystrophy UK's Neuromuscular Support and Resources Hub helpful.  This includes an interactive map in which you can select your location and service/support required. 

In our Virtual Advisor section we have also created some Resource Packs for each county which you may find helpful.

Please also remember that you can contact your Neuromuscular Advisor in between clinic appointments if you need any advice or support.

Paediatric Neuromuscular Clinics

Location:	Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
Who will you see:	Dr Ewoud Vorstman, Consultant Paediatrician Elaine Burrows, Neuromuscular Advisor Vic Selby, Paediatric Neuromuscular Physiotherapist
Details:	Dr Vorstman has an interest in neuromuscular conditions and holds a paediatric neuromuscular clinic once every three months on a Thursday afternoon which is supported by the Network’s Neuromuscular Advisor and Paediatric Physiotherapist.
Contact Details:	Enquiries about clinic appointments can be made via Dr Vorstman’s secretary on 0300 4225707.
Useful information:	Directions and Parking

Transition Clinics

Location:	Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
Who will you see:	Dr Ewoud Vorstman, Consultant Paediatrician Dr Andria Merrison, Consultant Neurologist Elaine Burrows, Neuromuscular Advisor Local Paediatric Physiotherapist Nicola Grose (nee Doran), Neuromuscular Physiotherapist
Details:	Dr Vorstman and Dr Oliver, Consultant Paediatricians will attend Dr Merrison’s Adult Neuromuscular Clinic in Gloucester on the fourth Monday of the month when they have a child who they feel is ready to go through the process of  transferring to adult services.  The aim of this clinic is to prepare children and their families for the transfer from paediatric to adult neurology services.
Contact Details:	Enquiries about clinic appointments can be made via Dr Vorstman’s secretary on 0300 4225707.
Useful information:	Directions and Parking

Adult Neuromuscular Clinics

Location:	Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
Who will you see:	Dr Andria Merrison, Consultant Neurologist Elaine Burrows, Neuromuscular Advisor Nicola Grose (nee Doran), Neuromuscular Physiotherapist
Details:	Dr Merrison holds a neuromuscular clinic on the fourth Monday afternoon of every month.
Contact Details:	Enquiries about clinic appointments can be made via 0300 4226758 or Out Patient Appointments on 0300 4226877.
Useful information:	Directions and Parking

 

Information on neuromuscular clinics are available to you in Devon. If you are unsure about any of the information, please contact the Network Coordinators. For any specific information about appointments, please contact the relevant hospital or speak to your Neuromuscular Advisor.

To find out about other support and resources in your area, you may find Muscular Dystrophy UK's Neuromuscular Support and Resources Hub helpful.  This includes an interactive map in which you can select your location and service/support required. 

In our Virtual Advisor section we have also created some Resource Packs for each county which you may find helpful.

Please also remember that you can contact your Neuromuscular Advisor in between clinic appointments if you need any advice or support.

Paediatric Neuromuscular Clinics

Location:	Vranch House School, Exeter
Who will you see:	Dr Kayal Vijayakumar, Consultant Paediatric Neurologist Dr Richard Tomlinson, Consultant Paediatrician Clare Stayt, Neuromuscular Advisor Kate Moss, Paediatric Physiotherapist
Details:	Dr Vijayakumar and Dr Tomlinson hold a paediatric neuromuscular clinic twice a year.
Contact Details:	Enquiries about clinic appointments can be made via Dr Tomlinson’s secretary on 0139 240 3159.
Useful information:

 

Location:	Torbay Hospital
Who will you see:	Dr Kayal Vijayakumar, Consultant Paediatric Neurologist Dr Iolanda Guarino, Consultant Paediatrician Clare Stayt, Neuromuscular Advisor Jill Dommett, Paediatric Physiotherapist
Details:	Dr Vijayakumar and Dr Guarino hold a paediatric neuromuscular clinic twice a year.
Contact Details:	Enquiries about clinic appointments can be made via Dr Guarino’s secretary on 0180 365 5812.
Useful information:	Directions and Parking

 

Location:	Plymouth Child Development Centre
Who will you see:	Dr Anirban Majumdar, Consultant Paediatric Neurologist Dr Sharon Glass, Consultant Paediatrician Dr Denise Ullmann, Consultant Respiratory Paediatrician Clare Stayt, Neuromuscular Advisor Clare Frimpong-Ansah, Paediatric Neuromuscular Physiotherapist
Details:	Dr Majumdar and Dr Glass hold a paediatric neuromuscular clinic once a year.
Contact Details:	Enquiries about clinic appointments can be made via Dr Glass’s secretary on 01752 439430
Useful information:	Directions and Parking

Transition Clinics

Location:	Plymouth Child Development Centre
Who will you see:	Dr Anirban Majumdar, Consultant Paediatric Neurologist A Consultant Neurologist (adult service) Clare Stayt, Neuromuscular Advisor Claire Frimpong-Ansah, Paediatric Neuromuscular Physiotherapist To be appointed, Specialist Neuromuscular Physiotherapist
Details:	Dr Majumdar holds this clinic once a year.  It is aimed at preparing children and their families for the transfer from paediatric to adult neurology services.
Contact Details:	Enquiries about clinic appointments can be made via Dr Glass’ secretary on 0175 243 9430.
Useful information:	Directions and Parking

 

Location:	Vranch House School, Exeter
Who will you see:	Dr Kayal Vijayakumar, Consultant Paediatric Neurologist A Consultant Neurologist (adult service) Clare Stayt, Neuromuscular Advisor Claire Frimpong-Ansah, Paediatric Neuromuscular Physiotherapist To be appointed, Specialist Neuromuscular Physiotherapist
Details:	Dr Vijayakumar holds this clinic once a year.  It is aimed at preparing children and their families for the transfer from paediatric to adult neurology services.
Contact Details:	Enquiries about clinic appointments can be made via Dr Tomlinson’s secretary on 01392 403159.
Useful information:

 

Location:	Torbay Hospital
Who will you see:	Dr Kayal Vijayakumar, Consultant Paediatric Neurologist Dr Iolanda Guarino, Consultant Paediatrician A Consultant Neurologist (adult service) Clare Stayt, Neuromuscular Advisor Jill Dommett, Paediatric Physiotherapist To be appointed, Specialist Neuromuscular Physiotherapist
Details:	Dr Vijayakumar and Dr Guarino hold this clinic once a year.  It is aimed at preparing children and their families for the transfer from paediatric to adult neurology services.
Contact Details:	Enquiries about clinic appointments can be made via Dr Guarino's secretary on 01803 655812.
Useful information:	Directions and Parking

 

Adult Neuromuscular Clinics

Location:	Mount Gould Hospital, Plymouth
Who will you see:	Dr Elizabeth Househam, Consultant Neurologist Clare Stayt, Neuromuscular Advisor To be appointed, Specialist Neuromuscular Physiotherapist
Details:	Dr Househam holds this clinic once a month.  Once a SWNODN Consultant Neurologist is appointed, more specialist neuromuscular clinics will be set up.
Contact Details:	Enquiries about clinic appointments can be made via Dr Househam’s secretary on 01752 431266
Useful information:	Directions and Parking

 

Location:	Mardon Neuro-rehab Centre, Exeter
Who will you see:	There are currently no specialist neuromuscular clinics held in Exeter. Clinics will be re-established once a SWNODN Consultant Neurologist is in post.
Details:	Patients can be referred to the Bristol Specialist Service or to the local Neurology Service at the Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust.
Contact Details:	Enquiries about referring to the Bristol Specialist Service can be made via the SWNODN office in Bristol on 0117 41 41185 or 41184
Useful information:	Directions and Parking

 

Joint Specialty Clinics

Neuromuscular & Respiratory Clinics

Location:	Derriford Hospital Plymouth
Who will you see:	There are currently no specialist neuromuscular and respiratory clinics held in Plymouth. Clinics will be re-established once a SWNODN Consultant Neurologist is in post.
Details:
Contact Details:
Useful information:	Directions and Parking

Neuromuscular & Cardiology Clinics

Location:	Derriford Hospital Plymouth
Who will you see:	There are currently no specialist neuromuscular and cardiology clinics held in Plymouth. Clinics will be re-established once a SWNODN Consultant Neurologist is in post.
Details:
Contact Details:
Useful information:	Directions and Parking

Neuromuscular, Cardiology & Respiratory Clinics

Location:	Derriford Hospital Plymouth
Who will you see:	There are currently no specialist neuromuscular, cardiology and respiratory clinics held in Plymouth. Clinics will be re-established once a SWNODN Consultant Neurologist is in post.
Details:
Contact Details:
Useful information:	Directions and Parking

Neuromuscular & Genetics Clinics

Location:	Derriford Hospital Plymouth
Who will you see:	There are currently no specialist neuromuscular and genetic clinics held in Plymouth. Clinics will be re-established once a SWNODN Consultant Neurologist is in post.
Details:
Contact Details:
Useful information:	Directions and Parking

 

Please see information below on the neuromuscular clinics available in Cornwall.  For any specific information about neuromuscular clinic appointments, please contact the relevant hospital or speak to your Neuromuscular Advisor.

To find out about other support and resources in your area, we suggest you go to Muscular Dystrophy UK's support page which includes a search function to help find services/support in your area.  

Please also remember that you can contact your Neuromuscular Advisor in between clinic appointments if you need any advice or support.

Paediatric Neuromuscular Clinics

One of the Consultant Paediatric Neurologists attends a joint paediatric and respiratory clinic in Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro.  Please see Joint Clinics section for further details.

Transition Clinics

Location:	Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro
Who will you see:	Consultant Paediatric Neurologist Consultant Neurologist (adult service) Neuromuscular Advisor Paediatric Neuromuscular Physiotherapist Specialist Neuromuscular Physiotherapist
Details:	This clinic is held once a year.  It is aimed at preparing children and their families for the transfer from paediatric to adult neurology services.
Contact Details:	Enquiries about clinic appointments can be made via the Neuromuscular Co-ordinator on 01752 433366
Useful information:	Directions Parking

Adult Neuromuscular Clinics

Location:	Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro
Who will you see:	Consultant Neurologist Neuromuscular Advisor Specialist Neuromuscular Physiotherapist
Details:	This clinic is held twice a year on a Friday at Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro.
Contact Details:	Enquiries about clinic appointments can be made via the Neuromuscular Co-ordinator on 01752 433366.
Useful information:	Directions Parking

Joint Specialty Clinics

Paediatric Neuromuscular & Respiratory Clinics

Location:	Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro
Who will you see:	Consultant Paediatric Neurologist Paediatric Respiratory Consultant Consultant Community Paediatrician Adult Chest Physician (for all adolescent patients) Paediatric Respiratory Nurse Paediatric Neuromuscular Physiotherapist Neuromuscular Advisor (Cardiology reviews take place locally at a separate clinic)
Details:	This clinic is held over a two day period twice a year.
Contact Details:	Enquiries about clinic appointments can be made via the Respiratory Department secretary on 01872 254514.
Useful information:	Directions Parking