Katy Cross joined The Wellington GP Liaison Team from BUPA in July 2009 and provides support to GPs based in Central and South West London. In addition to this role Katy coordinates referrals to The Wellington Hospital for Orthopaedic Physiotherapists in Central London.

'As a GP Liaison officer I have many responsibilities, but first and foremost I am here to support central London GPs and help in any way I can. There is so much activity here, with our new Platinum Medical Centre which opened in May, that I realise it can be hard for professionals outside to keep up! This is where I come into my element. I am dedicated to keeping you informed and up-to-date with all our new services, new technology and the diverse range of educational events we offer.

On the first Thursday of every month I organise a GP seminar in The Wellington Boardroom. These have been running for a few years now and are a great way of meeting our consultants and finding out about the latest developments in specialist areas. It is also a great way of networking with your fellow GPs on a regular basis.

My role at the hospital also encompasses liaising with Physiotherapists who treat many of our patients pre and post surgery, and ensure a smooth referral journey for our patients is in place.

I am always happy to help with any queries you may have when referring a patient, or to help your patients negotiate what can sometimes be a confusing path.'

Ricky McKinson is the newest member of the GP Liaison; He has made a positive move from our enquiry helpline team, and brings with him a wealth of information about the whole Wellington Hospital Campus. Using his close ties with the hospital appointment team, Ricky has an in-depth knowledge of consultants, radiology referrals and GP educational event.

Ricky will be replacing Leslie Azam in the North & East London regions - as Leslie moves to cover the Central London area in January. Leslie will continue to support Ricky as he undertakes his new role.

'In my previous position as a GP Liaison Assistant I have been able to build strong relationships with the consultant secretaries and fully understand the referral process our local GP practices must negotiate. I have first-hand experience dealing with radiology referrals for both the Platinum Medical Centre and the Wellington Diagnostics & Outpatients Centre in Golders Green.

'I have already been involved in administrating many GP events and I am looking forward to assisting more consultants to visit the surgeries to speak directly to the GPs. This will mean GPs can directly access our top consultants and learn more about how patient’s conditions and illnesses can be treated.'

Veronica Brown is the fourth member of the GP Liaison team and our newest recruit who provides support to GPs based outside the M25 in Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire. Veronica joined The Wellington from a solicitor firm and coordinates referrals to The Wellington Hospital for medicolegal solicitors throughout London. Veronica’s work focuses both on the services at the main Wellington Hospital and The Wellington Diagnostics & Outpatients Centre in Golders Green.

'Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Bedfordshire may be considered by some as peripheral areas geographically, but in terms of the service provided and the relationships forged between myself and the practices, they are definitely a main focal point for GP Liaison support.

As a Hertfordshire resident, I have a particular empathy with the GPs, Practice Managers, and their clinical and administrative staff within my area. The development of The Wellington Enquiry Helpline, to reduce the time that the patients, and GPs, spend in 'shopping around' for the right consultant, has proved a massive success. The effectiveness of this service makes for a less stressful patient journey.'