Our Dedicated Healthcare Professionals
Our team is comprised of experienced, multi-disciplined healthcare providers, each committed to delivering the highest standard of care.
We take pride in our collaborative approach to healthcare and promise to treat you with compassion, competence, and a genuine commitment to your health.
General Practitioners
Dr Anne Alison
Medical Director & Founder
Dr. Alison, the founder of Vale Wellness, brings a wealth of experience and medical expertise to our practice. With 10 years as a partner in Cowbridge and Vale Medical Practice, she has honed her knowledge of medicine and cultivated a deep understanding of patient care.
Dr. Alison’s unwavering commitment to her patients is evident through her patient-centric approach and meticulous attention to detail, which builds strong, trusting relationships. A graduate of the University of Liverpool in 2002 with honours, she has continued to expand her qualifications ever since with a keen focus on women’s health, children’s health, menopause, and contraception.
Dr Alison is a member of the British Menopause Society and the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.
Dr David Andrews
Senior GP
Dr Andrews qualified from Cardiff University in 2009. He became a GP in 2015 following broad-based training in the UK and New Zealand.
He spent seven years working as a GP Partner in Merthyr Tydfil and was Lead GP for the Merthyr Tydfil Primary Care Cluster for three years during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
He has clinical interests in cardiovascular health, metabolic health, diabetes, and men’s health, including testosterone replacement. He enjoys medical leadership and innovative operations within general practice. He is a member of the Primary Care Diabetes Society and the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.
Mr Simon Davies
Sports Medicine & Minor Surgery Specialist
Mr. Davies is a highly experienced GP and Sports Medic who graduated from the University of Wales College of Medicine in 2001. After nearly a decade in surgical training and earning a postgraduate doctorate in cancer research, he transitioned to primary care, becoming a GP partner at Western Vale Family Practice.
He has served as the team doctor for the Ospreys Rugby Team since 2011 and led the musculoskeletal service for Cardiff and Vale UHB for ten years.
Mr. Davies specialises in many orthopaedic and sports medicine conditions, performing thousands of intra-articular and soft tissue steroid injections. He also provides minor surgical procedures and non-scalpel vasectomies. With ongoing training in musculoskeletal ultrasound, he will soon offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options.
Dr Lisa Thomas-Emrus
Senior GP & Lifestyle Physician
For a holistic approach to health, Dr. Lisa Thomas-Emrus is the doctor for you. An award-winning GP and qualified Lifestyle Medicine Physician, Dr. Lisa addresses the mind, body, and spirit to help you live a healthier, happier life. She specialises in women’s wellness, sexual health, gut health, and weight management, offering compassionate care that has earned her patient-nominated recognition.
At Vale Wellness, Dr. Lisa provides in-person and online consultations in both English and Welsh, working collaboratively with patients to manage chronic conditions, enhance sexual wellness, and improve overall health. Take the first step to reclaiming your health and restoring your energy today!
Menopause Clinicians
Miss Helen Bayliss
Consultant Gynaecologist, Menopause Specialist & Co-Founder
Miss Bayliss is a Consultant Gynaecologist with 13 years experience, and has developed a special interest in the care of women experiencing symptoms of menopause and perimenopause. Miss Bayliss is an accredited Menopause Specialist recognised by the British Menopause Society and holds the advanced certificate in the principals and practice of menopause care.
Miss Bayliss has a thorough understanding of the problems associated with the diagnosis and management of menopause and the impact it may have both personally and professionally.
Within her NHS service, Miss Bayliss has experience managing women with challenging symptoms and also patients with multiple medical problems which can make both diagnosis and treatment more challenging within the primary care setting.
Miss Bayliss is a Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and also a Diplomate of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health.
Mr Jonathan Rogers
Consultant Gynaecologist, Menopause Specialist &
Co-Founder
Mr Rogers has been a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist for 18 years. He specialises in Gynaecology with specific interests in endometriosis, menopause, menstrual disorders, and post menopausal bleeding.
Mr Rogers can offer all aspects of HRT, including implants of oestrogen and testosterone where appropriate and fitting of hormonal IUS.
Post menopausal bleeding investigation and treatment is something Mr Rogers commonly deals with, which includes endometrial biopsy, hysteroscopy, resection of endometrial polyps where found and treatment of local oestrogen deficiency.
Mr Rogers is a Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and is a member of the British Menopause Society.
Pharmacists
Sophie Riddell
Advanced Clinical Pharmacist
Sophie is our Advanced Clinical Pharmacist Prescriber with a passion for health and well-being. She graduated with a master’s degree in Pharmacy in 2004 and gained her independent prescriber qualification in 2009. With 19 years of experience as an Advanced Clinical pharmacist, Sophie specialises in dermatology, nutrition, haematology, and chronic disease management.
Sophie’s venture into private pharmacy practice was driven by her commitment to empower patients to make informed health choices. She’s dedicated to a patient-centred approach, focusing on safety and comfort.
Sophie works tirelessly to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and best practices, ensuring the best possible care with a strong emphasis on patient safety and regulation in medicine.
Psychologists and Wellness Practitioner
Nicola Massie
Consultant Counselling Psychologist
Nicola is a Consultant Counselling Psychologist, an Associate Fellow, Chartered member of the British Psychological Society, and is registered with the Health Care and Professionals Council. With a Doctoral-level training qualification in Counselling Psychology, Nicola has a wealth of experience in leading and delivering psychological interventions. Her approach is evidence-based, treating mental health challenges with a focus on holistic interventions and wellbeing.
Nicola is a specialist in cognitive-behavioural therapy, systemic family therapy, and trauma treatment, including EMDR.
Emily Allen
Consultant Wellness Practitioner
Graduating from Cardiff University in 2005 as an Occupational Therapist, Emily has extensive experience across diverse healthcare settings, including mental health, orthopaedics, cardiac and respiratory rehabilitation, and more. Emily serves as the Occupational Therapy Service lead within the pulmonary rehabilitation service at Cardiff and Vale UHB (NHS).
Her diverse skill set covers wellness, emotional well-being management, chronic condition care, fatigue and energy conservation, pacing and activity planning, sleep hygiene, stress and anxiety management, and the effective handling of low moods. Emily’s role as a Wellness Practitioner provides a relaxing and secure environment for clients to address and explore all aspects of their overall well-being.
Physiotherapists
Annie Williams
Senior
Physiotherapist
Annie, our Senior Specialised Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, is a standout in her field. Graduating with her Physiotherapy degree and master’s degree from Kings College London, she has over two decades of private experience.
Annie’s forte lies in musculoskeletal assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation, with a special focus on children, adolescents, and triathlon and running injuries. She also has a passion for exploring hormonal influences on injuries – especially in the context of peri/menopause. Annie’s holistic perspective ensures that she considers the whole body and its profound effects on the musculoskeletal system and creates personalised treatment plans to restore optimal performance in sports and everyday life.
Anna Evans
Senior
Physiotherapist
Anna is a highly experienced Women’s Health Specialist Physiotherapist with over 20 years of dedicated practice. She focuses on empowering women across all life stages and specialises in providing expert care for conditions such as pelvic floor dysfunction, pre and postnatal care, urinary incontinence, bowel problems, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction. Anna also offers Specialist Men’s Health Physiotherapy for many of the above issues.
Anna is a passionate advocate for women’s health awareness and feels strongly that women are often failed by the healthcare system following childbirth, to menopause, and beyond. She takes a fully holistic approach to treatment, considering the physical, emotional, medical, and social aspects of her patients’ well-being.
salveo@valewellness.co.uk
Nicola Spickett
Senior
Physiotherapist
Our experienced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, with over 20 years of expertise, treats a wide array of conditions including joint arthritis, back pain, sports injuries, and more. She specialises in pre and post-operative joint replacement surgery and offers high-level sports rehabilitation guidance.
With additional PINC and STEEL certification, she’s also a true expert in tailoring personalised guidance to help cancer patients stay active and achieve personal goals.
Nicola is also a qualified Pilates instructor and specialises in rehabilitative physio.
Nurse Services & Phlebotomy
Jude Trotman
Phlebotomist & HCA
Jude Trotman is a highly accomplished Biomedical Support Nurse and Phlebotomist with over sixteen years of experience. Jude has worked for Marie Curie within the Community District Nurse Team and has been with NHS Prince of Wales since 2018. Her diverse range of clinical skills includes counselling, palliative care, assistance in medication, ECGs, Phlebotomy.
Louise Williams
Practice Nurse
Louise Williams is an accomplished Practice Nurse (GPN) with 16 years of experience in the field. She holds a 1st-class degree in BSc CHS SPQ (Hons) and is competent in all aspects of treatment room tasks and procedures. Her diverse range of clinical skills includes point-of-care testing, venepuncture, cytology, contraception & HRT, vaccinations/ immunisations, travel advice, aseptic techniques, complex wound care, spirometry, and chronic disease management for Diabetes, Asthma, and COPD.
While some of these services may not be currently offered, there are hopes to expand in the foreseeable future.
Management & Administration Lead
Jo Llewelyn Jones
Practice Manager
Jo has diverse experience across an array of industries, including education, training, marketing, property, beauty, healthcare, fashion, the art world, and start-ups. As Practice Manager, she takes charge of overseeing and enhancing our services, ensuring we maintain excellence across the board.
Jo enjoys supporting our GPs and Consultants to ensure that our patients receive the best care both inside and outside of the consulting room. She takes great pride in the Vale Wellness team and the fantastic service they provide.
She is dedicated to ensuring your whole experience at Vale Wellness is of the highest quality and to assist our fantastic team of GPs and Clinicians in helping you live life better.
Specialist Visiting Consultants
Dr Paul Davis
Consultant Paediatrician
Dr. Davis has been an NHS consultant paediatrician in Cardiff since 1993. He works at the Children’s Hospital for Wales and at the Child Development Centre at St David’s Hospital in Cardiff. His main role as an NHS Community Paediatrician involves the assessment and treatment of children with developmental difficulties and Neurodevelopmental disorders and he has a particular interest in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Conditions seen privately: ADHD. Children with developmental concerns. All kinds of general paediatric medical problems. Unfortunately the diagnosis of autism is no longer undertaken privately.
Dr Colin Long
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr. Long is a Consultant Dermatologist at Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust and also works at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital. He is interested in all aspects of Dermatology including the management of inflammatory skin disorders (rashes) such as eczema, psoriasis, urticaria and acne as well as the surgical treatment of benign and malignant skin tumours.
Other interests include management of inflammatory skin disorders (rashes) such as eczema, psoriasis, urticaria and acne as well as the surgical treatment of benign and malignant skin tumours.
Mr Steven Backhouse
Consultant ENT Surgeon
Mr Backhouse has been an NHS ENT Consultant in Bridgend since 2007, following ENT higher training in Wales then 2 years specialist Fellowship training in Melbourne, Australia. He is also a Cardiff University Medical School’s Honorary Senior Lecturer and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh’s Course Director for Quality Improvement.
He is experienced in treating both child and adult ENT conditions of the ear (including hearing loss, tinnitus, balance issues), nose (including nasal block, snoring, sinus disease), throat (including voice change, swallow issues, reflux) and lumps / skin lesions of the head, neck and ears.
Mr Backhouse always aims to provide a sensible, safe and sound ENT service.
Dr Ian Ketchell
Consultant Physician in Respiratory and General Medicine
Dr. Ketchell is a Consultant Physician in Respiratory and General Internal Medicine and Director of the All Wales Cystic Fibrosis Service. He trained in Sheffield and spent two years in South Africa specialising in TB, respiratory, and critical care medicine. After returning to the UK, he completed a PhD in asthma at King’s College Hospital and worked at Guy’s and St. Thomas’, focusing on severe asthma, allergy, and intensive care.
At the Royal Brompton Hospital, he developed expertise in cystic fibrosis, allergy, and sleep medicine. In 2005, he moved to Wales to lead the national cystic fibrosis service.
Other interests include asthma, allergy, and sleep medicine.
Mr David Owens
Consultant ENT Surgeon
Mr. Owens has been a consultant ENT surgeon at the University Hospital of Wales since 2011. He graduated in Leicester and gained postgraduate ENT training in Wales. Mr Owens sits on the specialist advisory committee for ENT at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and is the Regional Advisor for Wales at ENTUK Council.
Special interests ENT (Otolaryngology) in General including: Childrens ENT, Nose and Sinus Issues, Problems of the ear and Balance, Throat issues, Voice and Swallowing disorders.
Dr Clinton Mitchell
Consultant Neurologist
Dr Mitchell is a neurologist working in South Wales and Hereford. He completed his training in neurology in Wellington, New Zealand, and at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery at Queen’s Square in London.
His specialty interests are headache, epilepsy, acute neurology, and movement disorders. He performs Botox for chronic migraine and dystonia, and nerve blocks for headache. He is experienced with the newer anti-migraine drugs.
Reflexology
Siwan Leeke
Clinical Reflexologist
Siwan is a highly trained Clinical Reflexologist (AOR and CNHC affiliated). Having taught for over 20 years, Siwan discovered the benefits of Reflexology whilst her Mother was receiving palliative care and became passionate about its benefits.
Reflexology is a touch therapy – various reflex points on the feet, hands or face are massaged. Alongside a healthy lifestyle and required medical treatments, it is a wonderful additional tool for helping you to maintain, support and enhance a healthy state. The relaxation responses elicited via Reflexology are a recognised method of calming and thereby balancing the body.
As a Clinical Reflexologist, Siwan tailors the reflexology treatment and range of techniques used according to the specific holistic needs of the client.
