Claire Rodd

Head of Clinical Education

I qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist in 2003 and have been working exclusively with head and neck cancer patients since 2008. I am passionate about laryngectomy and tracheostomy and driven to continuously improve patient care and ensure the best functional outcomes for patients.

I joined Atos Medical UK as the Head of Clinical Education in December 2022, and I’m excited about the opportunities this role has brought me to influence education, innovation and research which will improve quality of life for our laryngectomy and tracheostomy patients. I enjoy working with fellow healthcare professionals to make a significant and positive impact on patient care.

Fay Ramessur

Speech and Language Therapist, Clinical Educator

I qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist in June 2001 and commenced working for the NHS as soon as I graduated. I remained within the NHS in Wales for 20 years, along with private practice, and during this time I had a very varied career working with patients with a laryngectomy and tracheostomy.

In 2019 I completed my MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice which has enhanced my practice further. In November 2020 I joined Atos Medical as a Clinical Educator for Laryngectomy and Tracheostomy in the UK (North).

Alison Dempster

BSc (Hons) Speech Pathology and Therapy, PGDip, Clinical Educator

I qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist in 1995. After commencing my first hospital position, I developed a passion for working with people with head and neck cancer, particularly laryngectomy. I held several specialist positions within the NHS before starting to work at Atos Medical as a Clinical Educator in 2020.

This role provides the valuable opportunity to specialise further in the field of laryngectomy through supporting and collaborating with clinicians, having the shared goal of achieving the best possible outcomes and quality of life for people living with laryngectomy, underpinned by clinical evidence.

Sam Coleman

Respiratory Physiotherapist, Clinical Educator

As a qualified Respiratory Physiotherapist, I have seven years' experience working within the NHS, in major trauma centres and critical care settings within large acute trusts. I have a passion for teaching best practices and working across teams to deliver successful training initiatives.

I am excited to continue to work with Atos and to work closely with allied health professionals to deliver clinical education to support their practice.

Jodie Palmer

Respiratory Physiotherapist, Clinical Educator

I qualified as a Physiotherapist in 2011 and have over ten years' experience working within the acute NHS. I developed a keen interest in respiratory physiotherapy covering ICU, respiratory wards and A and E. I developed a passion for teaching by contributing to Trust study days and in 2020, gained a Level 3 award in Education and Training (AET). Since then, I have delivered bespoke tracheostomy training sessions for the community and acute sector.

I am delighted to continue to develop and deliver clinical education in collaboration with my colleagues within Atos and the NHS in an area I am very passionate about, whilst leading positive change.

Ellena Farrow

Respiratory Physiotherapist, Clinical Educator

I qualified as a Physiotherapist in 2017, quickly discovering a love for Respiratory care and Tracheostomy management. I have experience in areas including Critical Care, Neurosurgery and Respiratory High Dependency as a physiotherapist, in addition to working as a Clinical Educator in Simulation prior to my current role. My previous positions ensured I developed in-depth knowledge and skills in tracheostomy care, weaning, acute respiratory management, non-invasive ventilation and delivery of education in clinical environments. In 2023 I also completed an MSc module in Non-Invasive Ventilation & Respiratory Failure.

I joined Atos in January 2024 as a Tracheostomy Clinical Educator covering the North of the UK. This role allows me to combine my passions for tracheostomy management, best practice and education to support clinicians in their delivery of high quality, patient centred and evidence-based care. I enjoy the opportunity this role allows me, to be creative in clinical education, adapt & individualise content, and use various delivery methods to cater for a diverse range of learning styles.

Laura Hart

Paediatrics, Clinical Educator

I qualified as a Nurse in 2009 and began working with children and young people with a tracheostomy, and other complex respiratory needs, as part of a rotational programme. This immediately sparked a passion, curiosity and enthusiasm in the topic; I have specialised in this area ever since. For me, the safety of the child and providing high-quality, evidence-based care is a priority. Alongside this, it is essential (and incredibly rewarding) to ensure that these children and young people have fun and opportunities to explore the world, as their peers do.

In 2015, I completed a MSc in Healthcare Education and Clinical Leadership, as I found great satisfaction in teaching and supporting others to understand about complex respiratory care. Following this, I worked in an educational capacity supporting clinicians and parents to become competent and confident in tracheostomy care and long-term ventilation. In my previous roles I have also facilitated and led on clinical simulation training.

I joined Atos Medical as a Clinical Educator for paediatric tracheostomy in June 2024, covering the UK. I am excited to be working alongside professionals from across the country to continuously improve tracheostomy safety, awareness and education.’