WHO WE ARE
DAVID THORNE
Managing Director
David is a leading figure in UK health care consultancy with an extensive career of NHS and market access roles.
Originally a nurse, David has held NHS leadership positions within hospital, community, primary care and commissioning organisations. He has been a Chair and CEO of several primary care alliances and programme director of multiple NHS transformation projects.
David works part time as Director of Transformation at Well Up North Primary Care Network, covering North Northumberland and its 65,000 patients. He is also a trustee of Hospice Care North Northumberland.
David has had 30 years’ experience of market access, having held leadership roles in major pharma and medtech companies. He has provided consultancy advice to an array of companies in the UK and across Europe and is an in-demand speaker, event chair, facilitator, author, advisor and analyst.
ASSOCIATES
We are supported by an associate group of over 70 subject matter experts representing a range of health care roles, specialist fields and geographies. They include clinical professionals and managerial roles and all have current or recent NHS experience, encompassing leadership up to and including “C Suite”. Our associates cover all four nations of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
We match genuine experts to your requirements, and all have current ‘real-world’ experience with the relevant issues. Our associate group comprises people who are able to explain your questions or challenges in the context of the dynamic health care environment.
We pride ourselves on the quality of our associate advice, but also its authenticity, forward-thinking and candour. Clients regularly highlight the last of these as our key differentiator.
It is difficult to exaggerate the value of our associate network – they are healthcare professionals leading strategy and practice within the UK.
CONSULTANTS
Our work is supported by a small group of senior expert consultants.
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SIMON WOOTTON
Simon commenced his career in the NHS as a biochemist. He was formerly Chief Accountable Officer at NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale CCG and prior to this, Chief Operating Officer at North Manchester CCG.
He was the Greater Manchester Devolution CCG lead on Estates and Elective Care as well as Vice Chair of GMMMG.
In his prior career he was a Pharmaceutical Healthcare Consultant, a Regional Healthcare Team Manager and an NHS Business Unit Manager in the pharmaceutical industry. He has written books on strategic planning, brain training and managing public services.
PHILIP WATTS
Philip is an experienced senior leader, with extensive experience in pharma and medical devices. He has led teams globally, across Europe and in the UK, and is an expert in the preparation, launch and implementation of transformational change strategy.
Philip advocates for the development of deep customer understanding and insights, and his work is mainly focused on linking insights to strategy, and strategy to execution. He has significant experience in customer marketing, sales force excellence and account management, and he is passionate about making sure that all customer solutions and change initiatives are successfully sustained in order to deliver the expected outcomes.
DR NEIL FORSTER
Dr Neil Forster is a GP partner with a 20-year career in healthcare design, provision, management and leadership.
​Based in a northern urban practice with a rural dispensing arm, he has experience of various PCN and practice federation roles.
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Neil is a Northumberland LMC member and an SDE Advocate engaged by Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria. He has extensive experience of collaborative project working and transformation programmes, supported by his expertise as a Clinical Safety Officer.
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He holds Advanced Clinical Skills with a special interest in dermatology, and is a provider of minor surgery and occupational health services.