Doctors
Dr Gareth Hayes (M) BSc(Hons) MBBCh (Wales 1982) MRCP MRCGP
Part-Time Principal
Dr Hayes trained in Cardiff but then moved to Essex and Buckinghamshire to further his training as a Physician. Having passed his professional exams (MRCP) he realized he wanted to be a GP, and so extended his training and subsequently returned to Cardiff taking up this post in 1989.
In addition to General Practice, Dr Hayes has a number of roles:
- He is currently Medical Secretary to Bro Taf LMC, this involves discussions with the organisations involved with GPs and the local hospitals, as well as supporting GPs of Cardiff, Vale, RCT & Merthyr. The Local Medical Committee (LMC) is a statutory organisation that represents the voice of GPs and helps to set and maintain their professional standards.
- He does a clinic in the University Hospital for pregnant women with medical problems (particularly diabetes).
- He has a recognised interest in Mental Health and gives second opinions regarding sectioning under the MHA when requested.
- Medical Advisor to the Welsh National Opera, local musicians and other performing artists; being available for medical opinion as part of a charitable organisation British Association of Performing Arts Medicine (currently an emeritus member).
- Accredited to provide Shared Care for stable Methadone users, which allows short circuit access to the Community Addiction Team.
In the past, he has been Regional Medical Director for Cardiff Out of Hours and before this an Independent Medical Advisor to Bro Taf Health Authority and Chair of North Cardiff Local Advisory Group.
Dr Hayes has an interest in deaf awareness and is currently learning sign language. His medical interests include: diabetes, mental health, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and terminal care.
Dr Catherine Davies (F) MBBCh (Wales 1990) DFFP MRCPGP
Part-Time Principal
Dr Davies was brought up in Whitchurch and attended Whitchurch High School. She qualified at the University of Wales College of Medicine. She did her general practice training in West Wales and returned to Cardiff to work in a number of additional specialities to broaden her knowledge.
She has a special interest in medical education and was a tutor for the Department of General Practice, University Wales College of Medicine before becoming an Honorary Lecturer.
Dr Davies has a special interest in women's health and ENT and is also accredited to provide Shared Care for stable Methadone users, which allows short circuit access to the Community Addiction Team.
Dr Niamh McConnell (F) MBBCh (Dublin 1997) DRCOG DCH MRCGP
Part-Time Principal
Dr McConnell trained at Trinity College, Dublin and then moved to the UK to train as a G.P. She joined the practice in May 2004. She enjoys the varied role of general practice but also has an interest in palliative care.
Dr Elinor Brew (F) MBChB (Birmingham 1981) MRCGP MFFP DA DPD
Assistant Doctor
Joined the practice in 2001 on the GP Retainer Scheme. Before this Dr Brew was a partner in Warwickshire for seven years and also in Cardiff for five years. She has been a GP trainer and also family planning trainer. She has special interests in dermatology, women's health and family planning.
Dr med Rita Darby (F)
Assistant Doctor
Dr Darby was born in Germany and studied medicine at Heidelberg University in Germany and the Royal Newcastle Hospital in New South Wales, Australia. She graduated in 1990 and undertook further hospital training in histology, urology, obstetric and gynaecology, A & E, radiology, general medicine until her final exams (General Practice Physician Examination) in 1995. Dr Darby conducted research work at University Hospital and publications on thyroid disease 1990-1992. She gained a Certificate for natural and herbal medicine in 1995. Dr Darby achieved her qualification for practising and teaching ultrasonography (thyroid and abdomen) and was accredited post-graduate training officer for G.P.s in 2000. Dr Darby owned a single handed practice for five years (1997-2001) and then moved to England in 2002. During this time she worked as a locum in General Practice, OOH, for the DWP and was employed as a salaried G.P. from 2003 - 2006 in Essex.
Dr Darby is currently working full time as a G.P. in a special needs institution and does one session weekly at Whitchurch Village Practice since October 2007. Her special interests are dermatology, asthma/COPD, mental health issues and she is currently undertaking a childhood surveillance training course.
