About Us
The Tees Valley GP Fellowship Programme is led by a local team who are passionate about living and working in the area, and want to do everything they can to grow our GP workforce and look after our population.
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Dr Kym MerrittHi, I'm a GP Partner in Middlesbrough. I'm also a GP Trainer, GP teacher, and GP Lecturer for Newcastle University.
The reason that I enjoy being a GP in the Tees Valley is mostly down to the people. My colleagues are friendly and supportive and we make a fantastic Primary care team. In my spare time, you will find me enjoying the outdoors at Saltburn beach or Stewart park with my family and Cocker Spaniel. Tees Valley recommendation: Five Houses Farm Shop & Kitchen, Crathorne, Yarm |
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Dr Girish ChawlaHi, I’m a GP Partner in Stockton and a GP trainer and appraiser. I’m also the LMC Chairman for the Cleveland LMC and a Clinical Advisor for the NHS England Complaints Team and the Tees Valley CCG.
Living and working in the Tees Valley is rewarding because it has friendly people, good schools and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Outside of work, I enjoy listening to music, watching the latest box sets, and finding great local places to take our dog for a walk. Tees Valley recommendation: Hartlepool seaside Seaton Crew, Wynyard Park and Preston Park. Pet and family friendly with fresh open air areas for picnic and fun |
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Dr Zoe BarronHi, I’m a GP partner in Yarm and GP Trainer for the Durham & Tees Valley GP training programme.
My main aim is to rid the Tees Valley of the negative image that it has gained over the years to encourage new doctors to come here, experience the teaching, training and facilities that we have, and ultimately stay in the area enjoying all the amazing things that we have to offer. I intend the Fellowship to help homegrown talent to stay local. When not stuck at my desk, you can find me trying to train Teddy my toy poodle, enjoying many of the excellent drinking and dining establishments locally and listening to any live music. Tees Valley recommendation: The Cheese & Wine shop in Clarks Yard, Darlington |
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Dr Shuja HafeezHi, I'm primarily a GP partner in Middlesbrough but my other responsibilities include training GP registrars, teaching medical students, and representing my practice within our Primary Care Network.
Born and raised in Middlesbrough, my ambition has always been to work in, and give back to, the area where I grew up. It’s been rewarding to help nurture the next generation of medics in my roles as a teacher and trainer, and the Tees Valley has been the perfect place to do it. We have a unique blend of patients from the affluent, to the deprived, but regardless of their backgrounds, I always find them to be warm, accepting and grateful for our services. Outside of work you'll find me on the cricket pitch, playing football or devouring a parmo somewhere in the Tees Valley area! Tees Valley recommendation: A lemon top ice cream from Pacitto's in Redcar on a hot sunny day. |
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Kim HardyHi, I’m the Fellowship Administrator, which means I’m first point of call for all things paperwork!
Although my background is in the world of finance, I made the move to healthcare because our local NHS organisations have such an amazing team atmosphere. The people in the Tees Valley really are what makes it such a fantastic place to live and work. In my free time, you can find me on a football pitch, cheering on my son and his teammates at Marton FC, or enjoying myself at Mecca Bingo – a classic Teesside pastime! Tees Valley recommendation: The Globe Theatre in Stockton for entertainment and the Ingleby Café Bistro, Ingleby Barwick for food |
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Sam CaveHi, I’m the Primary Care Training Hub and Workforce Development Manager for the South ICP. I work with a brilliant team in Health Education England, within the North East and North Cumbria Primary Care Training Hub.
As a born and bred Teessider, I find it’s an easy place to miss. There’s just something special about our communities and our people. I’ve spent most of my working life in healthcare, because I’m a people person by nature and enjoy feeling as though I’ve helped people. It’s a privilege to be able to help people, and workforces, to develop in my current role. My free days are usually spent with family and friends. I love nothing more than trying a new, local restaurant, or getting some sunshine in a beer garden! Tees Valley recommendation: Saturday night Thai Food and Cocktails at The Copperstones in Linthorpe Village followed by blowing the cobwebs away with an early morning walk up Roseberry Topping. |
