Meet the GP Care Services Team

We pride ourselves on being accessible – from the board down we are ‘in this together’. What runs through the whole team is a commitment to care, delivered with empathy and dedication.

Our Directors

  • Dr Saj Azfar
    Chairperson and Information Governance Lead
    Since 1993 I have been a local GP with a special interest in medical Information Technology and I oversee the Information Governance for GP Care Services and am currently the Board Chairperson having served since 2014.

    I am involved with the Heritage Railway Movement and enjoy visiting obscure places in my motorhome.
  • Gail Whitehead
    Chief Officer and Vice Chair
    I have been the Chief Officer at GP Care since 2014. Experienced in private and public sector. I am enthusiastic, energetic with a passion for delivering the best care and service for patients, residents, and customers. An advocate for innovating, empowering my team, integrating, and collaborating, I take pride in our achievements to date.

    In my spare time I enjoy traveling and eating out.
  • Frankie Kelsey
    Deputy Chief Officer
    Starting as an Administrator for GP Care Services in 2014, I have worked myself up to the Deputy Chief Officer role. I am passionate about supporting the community with excellent healthcare services.

    In my down time, I enjoy playing rounders in the Rochdale Ladies League, getting together with family and friends and I love to shop and travel.
  • Kelly Vines
    Primary Care Lead
    I began my Primary Care career in the Royal Air Force as a Medic, moving into General Practice in 2009 and I have since been a Practice Manger, progressing on to a Partner in 2020. I currently manages the Pennines Primary Care Network, and I am the lead for our Primary Care division which includes our GP Practice in Littleborough.

    In my spare time I watch my son compete in downhill mountain bicycle racing.

Our Managers

  • Tracy Dempsey
    Business Support Manager
  • Claire Mason-Poole
    The Village Medical Practice / Practice Manager
  • Liz Hall
    Human Resources Manager
  • David Whitehead
    Hospitality Area Manager
  • Lynne McDermott
    Residential Manager, The Willows Dementia Hub
  • Shani Wallace Photo
    Shani Wallis
    Willows at Home Manager
  • Danielle Dutton
    Comfort Day and Respite Manager

By us all working together, we can help solve health and social care system problems and create exemplar solutions that meet the needs of those around us, making a real difference to care within our local community.