Meet The Team

Matt Doig

BIO

I first got into the world of General Practice in 2010 through my wife, a GP partner at the time. At 26 and with a degree in Physics, I found I wasn’t a typical Practice Manager. I developed a passion for using SystmOne and systems to improve patient care and make life easier for staff and GPs.

After 7 years of Practice Management, I set up Innovative Practice Limited and haven’t looked back. Working with different practices, understanding their challenges and how SystmOne can help them is a great privilege.

The practice I’ve worked most closely with is the Welby Group of Practices. It’s great to now work together in this joint venture, where we can support many more practices and increase the pace of development.

Hobbies

Playing Piano, DIY, Reading.

Favourite holiday destination

Portugal

Dr James Thompson

BIO

I joined the Welby Practice as a Partner in 2015, and in 2017, we expanded by acquiring two additional practices, forming the Welby Group of Practices. Since then, we have continued to grow and now care for over 35,000 patients across the Lincolnshire ICB.

A key driver of our expansion—while maintaining strong governance and regulatory compliance—has been our strategic focus on optimising the use of our patient management system.

In 2017, I set out to find a SystmOne expert to help us maximise the system’s potential. Through a mutual colleague, I was introduced to Matt Doig—and the rest, as they say, is history.

Seven years later, this collaboration led to the launch of Welby Innovate, a joint venture between Welby and Matt, designed to extend our success and support SystmOne practices across the UK. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished in such a short time and excited about the future as we continue to introduce valuable new services for our customer practices.

Beyond Welby, I also serve as Chair of the K2 Healthcare Federation, representing shareholding practices across the Grantham and Sleaford areas of Lincolnshire. K2 shares a similar vision—delivering innovative solutions that add real value to both our practices and system partners.

Hobbies

Outside of work, I enjoy walking our dogs, playing sports with my children, cooking great food for friends and family and taking in new experiences through the holidays I take with my wife and kids.

Favourite holiday destination

Our family love the Lake District, it has everything – water activities, great walks and views, with great pubs along the way to fuel body and soul.

Dr Melanie Morris

BIO

I am a GP with over 13 years of experience in primary care and have been part of The Welby Group since 2021, where my passion for development and innovation truly grew. I am dedicated to improving patient care through well-designed systems that enhance efficiency, reduce workload burdens, and maintain high clinical standards. I have a particular interest in developing streamlined clinical pathways that optimise patient care while supporting healthcare professionals in delivering safe and effective treatment. Additionally, I have a strong clinical focus on chronic kidney disease (CKD) and am committed to improving how we manage this condition across primary care.

 Within Welby Innovate, my role is to develop and oversee clinical pathways that enhance care delivery and standardisation across our services. I also lead patient communication pathways, ensuring clear, effective, and patient-centred engagement. Furthermore, I sit on the Clinical Governance Committee, providing oversight and guidance to uphold the highest safety and quality standards in all our initiatives.

 I firmly believe that innovation, collaboration, and well-structured processes are key to the future of healthcare, and I am passionate about driving positive change that benefits both patients and healthcare professionals alike.

Hobbies

Running, reading, walking my 2 little (and very old) dogs, cycling, and cooking.

Favourite holiday destination

Anywhere in the great outdoors – I love camping.

Julie Cox

BIO

I joined The Welby Practice in 2018 as a Practice Nurse. Since then, I have completed my Non-Medical Prescribing qualification and now work in a hybrid role, combining Practice Nursing with Nurse Practitioner responsibilities. My role includes managing minor illnesses, as well as conducting remote triage and patient management.

My clinical passion lies in diabetes and cardiovascular care, but I am also experienced in providing comprehensive reviews for respiratory patients. I have worked closely with the nursing team to promote a “one-appointment” approach for all patient reviews, recognising the significant interplay between respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, particularly in their clinical presentation.

In addition, I am proud to be part of the Clinical Governance team, representing the Practice Nurse perspective. This role allows me to contribute to the development and maintenance of up-to-date practices across our team and the wider Welby Innovate group.

Hobbies

When not at work you’ll usually find me with my nose in a book. I also adore cats and have 2 fluffy overlords to look after at home.

Favourite holiday destination

Mexico – Riviera Maya coastline, sun, sea, sand, margaritas, and history all in one destination!

Sergio Caminero

BIO

I began working in primary care as a pharmacist in 2017. Since then, I have advanced to a Senior Pharmacist position, where I oversee the safety and compliance of clinical protocols, ensure that medication monitoring is carried out effectively, and confirm that conditions such as hypertension and hypothyroidism are managed per established guidelines. I am also responsible for medication reviews across the practices, helping to maintain high standards of patient care.

I greatly value working within a multidisciplinary team of wonderful colleagues, embracing an environment of innovation and continuous improvement for the NHS. This collaborative approach drives my commitment to better patient outcomes and the advancement of healthcare services making use of the new technologies.

Hobbies

I enjoy winter sports, playing football with my children, and relaxing at the beach during the summer months.

Favourite holiday destination

The north of Spain is my ideal spot, as it offers everything I love—from snowy slopes to seaside getaways—all in one place.

Charlotte Sim

BIO

After 14 years in the food manufacturing industry, I joined General Practice in 2018, starting out in coding before moving to a data & claims role, then into a management role focusing on financial performance.

Having worked with Matt in my practice roles, I have first-hand experience of implementing and using Welby Innovate systems and understand how beneficial they can be in streamlining processes and freeing up clinical time.

I’m delighted to be joining the Welby Innovate team in 2025 and looking forward to developing more great resources & supporting practices to get the most out of these.

Hobbies

Yoga, walking & I’m currently learning Spanish.

Favourite holiday destination

Greece

Cheryl Secker

BIO

I have worked in general practice since 2010, starting in reception, then the admin team, and then to Business Support Manager which is my current role.

I gained my operations/departmental Manager qualification in 2022. I also work as an IT project manager for my local Primary Care Network, which has allowed me time to ‘play’ with various IT programs and share and implement best practices, with the others in the PCN.

I’m a problem solver who likes finding ways to make other people’s lives easier with tasks, especially IT!

Hobbies

All types of puzzles, exploring new places both in the UK and abroad, and playing with IT systems!

Favourite holiday destination

Italy

Rowena Kitchin

BIO

I began my working life as a medical statistician, first in research and then in the biotechnology industry, before retraining as a maths teacher while my children were younger.

Having worked in general practice for the last eleven years, first as a medical secretary, then in data quality and coding and finally as assistant practice manager, I have experienced the benefit that excellent systems and processes can bring to both patient care and staff job satisfaction, and I am excited to now be part of the Welby Innovate team.

Hobbies

Walking, running, knitting, reading, gardening …

Favourite holiday destination

Northumberland

Lisa Fairclough

BIO

I have worked in general practice for 17 years, starting as a phlebotomist and progressing to the role of Lead HCA. Over this time, I have developed a strong understanding of the importance of having effective systems in place, especially when working face-to-face with patients. Well-structured processes not only support the smooth running of day-to-day operations but also ensure safe, high-quality care and a positive patient experience.

By joining Welby, I hope to contribute my clinical experience and non-management perspective in general practice, helping to support practices in delivering effective and patient-centred care.

Hobbies

I enjoy reading a wide range of genres, tending to my garden, and attending music festivals whenever I get the chance.

Favourite holiday destination

Portugal

Alison Hart-Bettany

BIO

I am a Royal Masonic Hospital, London-trained nurse with post-registration specialist qualifications, a BSc (Hons) degree, and a PG Certificate in Advanced Practice. Over the past 21 years, I have worked in both large and small General Practices, gaining extensive experience in chronic disease management, health promotion, immunisation, and women’s health, with the past 10 years at an advanced practice level.

I am passionate about evidence-based care and continuous professional development, holding specialist qualifications in Asthma, Diabetes, Tissue Viability, and Gynaecology, as well as completing modules in Independent and Supplementary Nurse Prescribing and Clinical Decision-Making. I work across all four pillars of Advanced Practice, combining clinical expertise with leadership, quality improvement, service development, and mentoring colleagues.

I have supported practices nationwide as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner Adviser for the Royal College of GPs and as a GPIP Facilitator under NHSE guidance. Most recently, I was appointed Women’s Health Champion for my local PCN, where I provide expert consultations and lead initiatives to improve women’s health and wellbeing.

I am thrilled to join Welby Innovate’s Clinical Governance Committee, bringing my experience, passion for improving patient care, and commitment to innovation. I look forward to supporting the team in maintaining high standards, developing services, and helping Welby continue to deliver outstanding care.

Hobbies

I love karaoke!!! I like fine dining and red wine. I also like gardening and visiting historical buildings and castles.

Favourite holiday destination

Portugal, Crete, Amsterdam and New York. 

Charlotte Caws

BIO

I am a nurse by profession with 12 years of frontline experience, whereby I like to think I worked with and through all the body systems, predominantly in Acute Medicine and A&E. I worked in a variety of geographical locations and enjoyed understanding the differences and diversity that each area can and does have. I worked as a Staff Nurse, Sister and on projects before finding my way into MedTech for the last 6 years. 

One of my key motivations for leaving the frontline was the hope and ability to install and ensure systemic change for the benefit of both staff and patients. I have found that Clinical Safety is one of the tools that enables me to do this daily. I have really enjoyed working with the clinicians, engineers, technical architects and all those involved to deliver new and improved ways of working safely and thoughtfully.

I started my General Practice experience in tech when I joined Babylon in 2019 and subsequently worked as the named GP CSO for NCL ICB. I have also done some consulting and worked on several projects nationally and globally. The complexities and challenges that the GP world presents have really sparked my curiosity, and I am glad to be working in this space and to have found some great colleagues along the way. I genuinely believe that patient care starts with the patient, and if we can give them the tools and information to empower them to take better care of themselves, then we are headed in the right direction. 

I joined Welby in 2025 as their Clinical Safety Officer and have been really impressed and happy to be working with a team of such experienced people who have created a great product helping so many patients and staff in their care and efficiency. Seeing practical solutions to real problems is something that drives me, and I see this in Welby Innovate. 

I still enjoy working across a variety of areas in tech and am continually learning and broadening my experience and knowledge. I enjoy mentoring CSOs and working with teams to bring them to a better place from a clinical safety perspective, and I am so glad to have the opportunity to do so. 

Hobbies

It isn’t the most practical, but skiing! I also love to walk around the beautiful places in the UK and beyond and find natural water sources.

Favourite holiday destination

It has to be Zermatt in Switzerland, no cars and mountains!