Meet the team
Leadership & Management
Anthony Nelson
Non-Executive Director
Tracey Teasdale
Executive Director
Dr Andrew Dickie
Clinical Lead
Jacqui Wilson
Clinical Services Manager
Alex Hartley
Finance Manager
Non-Executive Director
Executive Director
Clinical Lead
Clinical Services Manager
Finance Manager
Ken chose to become a doctor initially because of his love for science and maths. However, it was really at medical school that he realised that medicine was so much more, seeing the difference that a doctor can make in someone’s life; whether it was giving them the treatment that relived their symptoms, or listening and supporting them through a difficult time.
The main highlights of his career are becoming a partner in his local surgery and the enjoyment of being involved in the daily decision making of the practice as well as taking responsibility for the wellbeing of his patients and staff. Ken also feels lucky to be able to work in other roles, such as Heartbeat, which expand his knowledge and abilities into other areas.
He is most proud of the work done to integrate other healthcare roles into primary care in our area, especially with the Heartbeat clinical pharmacist team. It has been a real privilege to see them develop their skills and confidence and become such an integral part of the primary care team.
Hazel made a career change from practising law from a desire to help people and make them happy. During this transition she became a Medical Student Clinical Supervisor and, alongside qualifying as a GP, her career highlights are helping to deliver a baby on Christmas Day and the wonderful patients and colleagues she has worked with so far.
Hazel is most proud of a clinical diagnosis where she spotted a vertebral artery dissection which might have otherwise been missed, her resilience to not giving up and making a difference.
Outside of work Hazel loves hiking and is a history fanatic, especially from 1500 onwards. She is currently building a Georgian doll’s house for her children and is driven by her personal values of equality, fairness and honesty and the love of her family. Hazel prides herself on doing her best, making people smile and her determination.
Many years experience as a CFO and NED in both public and private companies, largely in the life science sector, particularly in SME entrepreneurial businesses undertaking transactions such as strategic reviews, M&A, IPO, fundraising or exit.
Tracey has recently joined Heartbeat Primary care CIC as our Executive Director following her role as Deputy Chief Executive of a larger GP Federation in Sunderland over the last 8 years. With a career spanning more than 30 years working in or alongside primary care. Tracey has a real passion and enthusiasm to support general practice in particular.
Tracey brings a wealth of experience delivering primary care at scale and realising the benefits of a thriving and active GP federation within a healthcare system. From leading the development of the general practice covid response in Sunderland, to supporting the establishment of award winning digital and pharmacist functions across the city. Tracey also has extensive experience of leading GP practices. During her tenure she saw Sunderland GP Alliance grow from a start up business to one of the most established, progressive GP federations in the country.
Whilst Tracey brings a wealth of experience to her role at Heartbeat she recognises that some of the unique challenges faced by patients and practices of the rural geography require a fresh set of eyes and bespoke solution creation. As with every role Tracey aims to bring her energy and passion for getting things done to the fore to enable Heartbeat to move forward and become an asset to its members and the local health economy.
Outside of work Tracey keeps herself busy with family, competing her horse – Stan and hill walking with her husband and friends.
Andy’s passion for medicine started back at school with his natural interest in and aptitude for science. His decision to become a GP was influenced by a variety of work experience but more so by his time serving in the Royal Navy, where he looked after the health of the ship’s company for months at a time. Andy thrives on the longer-term relationships developed with patients.
Aside from his commitment to Heartbeat’s mission, Andy loves to be with his family and in the great outdoors, especially cycling.
Jacqui moved into Health and Social care 8 years ago when she worked for a sensory impairment charity after an 18 year career in the banking sector. From there she worked for GP practices the area of York and a GP Federation before started at Heartbeat in January 2022.
Jacqui is driven around realising the benefits to patient care and being part of services that support Primary Care. She’s is privileged to have worked with several talented teams and individuals across her career to improve the services and experience of patients.
Amongst her many career highlight is having the opportunity to work with such a talented team at Heartbeat and she is most proud of her two beautiful daughters.
Alex has always wanted to be in a role where she could feel like she could make a difference to people’s lives and now feels very proud to be working for such a fantastic company as Heartbeat. After having her son, she had the opportunity to work from home, helping her sister out with her accountancy business which meant she enjoyed his precious early years. Sadly, her sister passed away a few years ago which not only left a gaping hole in their lives but also meant that it was time for Alex to seek new opportunities. Alex felt proud to be offered the Finance Assistant role at Heartbeat. She loves the work and feels blessed to be a part of such an amazing team.
Alex recently passed her AAT level 4 which she studied for around work and looking after her ever so energetic son!