The Doctors
Dr Stephen Russell MRCGP DRCOG DCH DMH FP (Cert) D OccMed QUB 1985
Dr Russell was appointed as a single-handed general practitioner in March 1990, succeeding his predecessor Dr Dan Kennedy from the old Clonavon Practice. He set up surgery premises in an end-of terrace house known as 'The Gables' and hence 'The Gables Medical Centre' officially opened on 1st April 1990. Dr Russell's interests include maternity care and occupational medicine.
Dr Claire Simms MRCGP DRCOG DCH DMH FP (Cert) QUB 1986
Dr Simms became a partner of the practice in April 1997, having previously worked as a GP in Kells and Connor Medical Centre. She works part-time and has a special interest in orthopaedic medicine.
Dr Nicola Clark MB BCh BAO MRCGP DCH dFSRH DRCOG QUB 2009
Dr Clark joined the practice as a salaried GP in May 2017, working part-time hours opposite Dr Simms. She has a special interest in women's health and contraceptive implants.
Dr Louise McIlwaine MB BCh BAO MRCGP DMH European Cert in Palliative Medicine QUB 2010
Dr McIlwaine became a salaried GP at the Gables in Jan 2022, having locumed here for some time. She works 5 sessions per week and also teaches in QUB.
The Staff
Practice Nurse - Mrs Bronagh Smiley works 22 hours per week. She plays an important role in implementing the practice health promotion policy and runs asthma/COPD, coronary prevention and cervical smears clinics.
Treatment Room Nurse - Mrs Elaine Lowry covers treatment room duties Tuesday to Friday. She also assists GPs with antenatal and childhood vaccination clinics.
Admin Staff
The Practice Manager - Mrs Elaine McKay - is responsible for the management and administration of the practice and all non-clinical aspects of your healthcare. If you have any queries she will be happy to discuss these with you.
Reception Staff - Mrs Mandy Long, Mrs Ruth Gibson, Mrs Kim Houston, Mrs Moira Adair
The administrative/reception staff assist in the efficient day-to-day running of the practice and support of all services provided. They are bound by the same code of confidentiality as medical staff. When you contact the surgery for whatever reason, you may be asked for a few details. The receptionists are trained to make these enquiries, so that we can help you in the most appropriate way - please co-operate with them, bearing in mind that their job is a demanding one.
Primary Care Team - Attached Staff
There are also a number of healthcare professionals you may come into contact with who, though not based at The Gables, are attached to the practice.
They include:
- health visitor
- community nursing team
- district midwives
- dietician - a clinic is run quarterly. Please ask for an appointment to see the dietician.