We’re a small dynamic team made up of full-time and part-time colleagues who work closely together behind the scenes to support General Practice across Devon. While our roles may differ, we share a common purpose: to support, represent and champion our members – thoughtfully, collaboratively, and with care.
We take our work seriously, but ourselves a little less so, bringing roles together around a shared purpose and a strong belief in working well as a team.
This is the team supporting our members every day.
Our Team
Helen West
Helen West
Business & Finance Manager
The LMC Cast: Quick Fire Questions
Early Bird or Night Owl?
Early Bird.
My completely useless hidden talent?
It’s so well hidden, I don’t even know what it is.
Never without:
A bag-bag. You never know when you need to go shopping.
If I had a walk-on song, it would be:
Don’t Stop Believin by Journey
My unofficial role in the team:
Social Secretary – I love a good party.
Our unofficial team superpower:
Chameleon like powers. We can adapt to whatever is thrown at us.
One thing that makes this team feel different:
We don’t take ourselves too seriously. LOL
The Official Version
I joined the LMC in 2016 after spending two years working for Devon CCG (as it was then). Before that, I gained extensive experience in a range of public and private sector organisations in and around Exeter, including Flybe, Devon Partnership Trust and the University of Exeter.
As the Business and Finance Lead for the LMC, I’m responsible for managing the organisation’s finances and producing management accounts for the board, which helps to guide decision‑making and ensure the levy is used as effectively as possible. After taking on the finance lead role in 2019, I completed two years of study to become an AAT‑qualified bookkeeper.
My work at the LMC is varied, interesting and often complex—which is exactly what I enjoy.
Outside of work, I like spending time with friends, reading, gardening and I have a couple of craft projects on the go. I don’t have a dog, and I’m not someone who enjoys long walks across the moor!
Katie Rooke
Katie Rooke
Operations Manager
The LMC Cast: Quick Fire Questions
Early Bird or Night Owl?
Night Owl.
My completely useless hidden talent?
Coin snatching aka Chinese elbow trick – and yes you may need to Google it!
Never without:
Lip Balm
If I had a walk-on song, it would be:
Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy by The Tams
My unofficial role in the team:
Bringer of early-morning optimism
Our unofficial team superpower:
Small team, big impact.
One thing that makes this team feel different:
The kind of team that tricks you into forgetting it’s a job!
The Official Version
I’m the Operations Manager at Devon LMC and look after many of our core support services, from training and development programmes to professional support and coaching. I also get involved in a wide range of operational projects and activities across the LMC, making it a varied role where no two days are ever quite the same.
I started my career as an apprentice in Corporate Affairs at South Devon and Torbay Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), and somehow 12 years flew by as I moved and progressed through a variety of roles, spending most of that time in the Primary Care Team. Joining the LMC felt like a natural next step, allowing me to continue supporting general practice while working with practices and the wider system across Devon in a different way.
One of the things I enjoy most about working in the LMC is the team. I genuinely work with a fantastic group of people who care about each other, care about the work they do and somehow manage to keep their sense of humour even on the busiest days.
Outside of work, most of my time is spent with my partner and our two young children, enjoying days out, exploring new places and trying to keep up with their endless energy!
Steve Pitcher
Steve Pitcher
CQC Compliance Manager
The LMC Cast: Quick Fire Questions
Early Bird or Night Owl?
Night Owl.
My completely useless hidden talent?
Encyclopaedic knowledge of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld books.
Never without:
Chocolate
If I had a walk-on song, it would be:
Eye Level by the Simon Park Orchestra
My unofficial role in the team:
Swiss Army knife – will have a go at anything but probably not the best option.
Our unofficial team superpower:
Mutual support through taking the mick.
One thing that makes this team feel different:
We’re all grown ups.
The Official Version
I am the LMC CQC Compliance Manager, tasked with helping our Practices prepare for inspection. My aim is to deliver the support required to allow us all to be at least ‘Good’ and to reduce the stress and uncertainty involved. I am also the LMC DPO and H&S rep.
I am very much enjoying travelling around the county and working with our Practices. It is very interesting to see how many different ways we can do the same job!
Prior to joining the LMC in June 2024 I worked at Beacon Medical Group and was PCN Ops Manager of Drake Medical Alliance in Plymouth. Before that I was in the Armed Forces for 26 years.
I live in Ivybridge with my wife, dog and cat; our twin daughters are at university, but they keep coming back. We are generally to be found on the moor, coastal path or sofa, depending on the weather.
Rachel Mann
Rachel Mann
Professional Support Clinical Lead
The LMC Cast: Quick Fire Questions
Early Bird or Night Owl?
Early Bird.
My completely useless hidden talent?
Winning at Cluedo.
Never without:
My diary and chocolate.
If I had a walk-on song, it would be:
Dancing Queen by Abba.
My unofficial role in the team:
Positive problem solver.
Our unofficial team superpower:
Passion for General Practice
One thing that makes this team feel different:
Cohesion and communication.
The Official Version
I trained at Leicester University and moved down to Devon to start the Exeter VTS in 1991 and never wanted to leave! I have worked in General Practice in Devon since as a registrar, locum, assistant and for 24 years as a GP partner at the Westbank Practice.
I currently work as a portfolio GP with a range of different roles. I have a good appreciation of the challenges faced ‘at the coal face’ and know that offering reliable confidential support can make a huge difference at a time of need. I feel very passionate about supporting the fabulous General Practice we have here in Devon. Times are tough in primary care, and this takes its toll on GPs, practice nurses, practice managers and the wider team.
Having joined the Professional Support team in 2021 and having really enjoyed working with and learning from my colleagues, I feel very proud to be in the position off leading our team of experienced professional support officers.
Matt Best
Matt Best
Medical Executive
The LMC Cast: Quick Fire Questions
Early Bird or Night Owl?
Night Owl.
My completely useless hidden talent?
A vast dull knowledge about maps, electric cars, wine, cheese, and everything in between.
Never Without:
Some techy gadget like my phone.
If I had a walk on song, it would be:
Simply The Best by Tina Turner – just because of my name rather than anything else!
My unofficial role in the team:
The bald bulletin reader.
Our unofficial team superpower:
Joyce’s shortbread and NATO standard wets!
One thing that makes this team feel different:
Supportive to all members but able to critique in a positive way when needed in order to do our best for our members.
The Official Version
I am a 6 session Partner at Yelverton Surgery in West Devon, and I also work 2/3 sessions as LMC Medical Executive at Devon LMC.
I joined Devon LMC as an elected representative for Western Devon Sub-Committee in 2016/17, bringing previous experience of politics both at university and early in my medical career.
Initially I served on the Student Executive at St George’s Hospital Medical School before being elected as the Student Union President for a year-long sabbatical, taking a year out of studies mid-way through my medical degree. Following this I went on to hold the role of Chair of the University of London Union.
On starting junior jobs at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, I stood for and was elected to be the Junior Doctors’ Mess President, which I held for a year.
In my current role as LMC Medical Executive, I enjoy the interface with commissioning colleagues and secondary care colleagues, representing GP interests on a wider stage. Expanding knowledge outside of clinical GP understanding has improved my role as a GP partner, as well as building relationships locally and nationally with colleagues. Importantly my raison d’être has been to focus on constituents, their consulting rooms and business to enable them to provide patient care whilst running a viable practice. The team in the LMC has made this both enjoyable and supportive. Someone always knows the answer, or where to find it!
I live in Plymouth with my wife, two growing children, two cats and recently two guinea pigs! As ever, it is a juggle between two careers, two separate schools and lots of clubs and activities. When I have time I enjoy cycling, watching rugby and sharing good food and wine with my family and friends.
Paul Hynam
Paul Hynam
Medical Executive
The LMC Cast: Quick Fire Questions
Early Bird or Night Owl?
Night Owl.
My completely useless hidden talent?
I can put together an exceptions 90s House and Garage set on vinyl with very short notice.
Never without:
Earbuds and music.
If I had a walk-on song, it would be:
Don’t Sweat The Technique by Eric B and Rakim
My unofficial role in the team:
Unofficial legal advisor
Our unofficial team superpower:
A superhuman ability to respond to a crisis.
One thing that makes this team feel different:
Our genuine fondness for each other.
The Official Version
I was elected to the LMC’s North and East subcommittee in 2016. Shortly after I became one of the medical executives and I have been here ever since!
My involvement in medical politics was triggered by the dreadful mismanagement of general practice by the coalition government in the early 2010’s. My perspective has not changed with subsequent administrations continuing to make the same funding and workforce errors. It is my belief that the department of health and social care does not understand general practice. These views led to my running for election to the BMA’s general practice committee and I have acted as representative for Somerset and North and east Devon since 2023.
The partnership model is undoubtedly the most efficient way to deliver general practice to our patient population. This perspective is held by both the LMC and the BMA, however the model needs promotion and protection particularly given our current government’s intent to undermine good general practice at every opportunity.
As a medical executive, I sit on the local negotiating committee and enjoy the opportunity to negotiate the best remuneration and terms possible for our locally enhanced services, ultimately benefitting both patients and GP’s.
I have recently graduated from law school with an MA Law and I am an accredited civil mediator, knowledge and skills that are often useful when dealing with the GMS and local contracts.
I love music, exercise and sailing, sometimes combining all three!
I can often be found running with my two dogs in the Blackdown hills on the Devon/ Somerset border.
Joyce Pickering
Joyce Pickering
Nurse Executive
The LMC Cast: Quick Fire Questions
Early Bird or Night Owl?
Early Bird.
My completely useless hidden talent?
I’m not sure about a useless hidden talent – but a talent I would like to have is to be able to parallel park on my first attempt.
Never without:
Chocolate.
If I had a walk-on song, it would be:
Country Road Taken Me Home by John Denver.
My unofficial role in the team:
Shortbread maker!
Our unofficial team superpower:
The ability to make everyone smile on the most challenging of days.
One thing that makes this team feel different:
Synergy.
The Official Version
Alongside my LMC Nurse Executive role, I do long-term conditions locum work, support nurses new to general practice on the New to Practice Programme and do guest lecturing at Exeter University on their student nurse programme.
I joined Devon LMC in September 2020 to support the general practice nursing workforce. As well as having many years’ experience as a general practice nurse manager, I was in the process of becoming a nurse partner. I also had a leadership role with the Royal College of Nursing.
I feel very privileged to be part of the hard-working Devon LMC team. Every week brings a different opportunity or challenge, and every week we work together as a cohesive team to get the best outcomes for our members.
My husband Andrew and I live in South Devon with two slightly mad working cocker spaniels. I enjoy making shortbread (secret Scottish recipe) and I am learning photography which is way more complicated than I had anticipated. However, my photos are gradually becoming less blurred.
Bruce Hughes
Bruce Hughes
Medical Executive
The LMC Cast: Quick Fire Questions
Early Bird or Night Owl?
Night Owl.
My completely useless hidden talent?
Juggling.
Never without:
Gadgets!
If I had a walk-on song, it would be:
Don’t Fall by the Chameleons.
My unofficial role in the team:
Tea / coffee person.
Our unofficial team superpower:
We can disagree respectfully and then reach a consensus.
One thing that makes this team feel different:
Camaraderie 🙂
The Official Version
I am a Medical Executive at Devon LMC. I am also the GPC England regional rep for South and West Devon and Cornwall. I am a 6 session Partner in a GP Practice. I have been a partner for 27 years.
I first started as a committee member of North Devon LMC at the turn of the century. I became subcommittee Chair for North and East Devon, then subsequently Chair of Devon LMC for 10 years. I have been a Med Exec for 4 years and it is the position at which I feel most at home. I enjoy a regular day in the office, the ability to interact with a great team and to share and develop ideas collaboratively.
Outside of the LMC I am studying for a Masters in Extreme Medicine, I volunteer for a Search and Rescue team and enjoy cold water swimming and dog walking with my wife.
Dr Who
Dr Who
Vice Chair
Andy Mercer
Andy Mercer
Chair
The LMC Cast: Quick Fire Questions
Early Bird or Night Owl?
Early Bird.
My completely useless hidden talent?
Can play the tenor saxophone.
Never without:
Coffee Mug
If I had a walk-on song, it would be:
You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry and The Pacemakers
My unofficial role in the team:
Designated Driver. / Duty Scouser
Our unofficial team superpower:
Collaborative negotiators.
One thing that makes this team feel different:
Not driven by profit but for the good of the whole.
The Official Version
Hannah Baxter
Hannah Baxter
Director of Operations
The LMC Cast: Quick Fire Questions
Early Bird or Night Owl?
Early Bird.
My completely useless hidden talent?
I’m struggling to identify a true talent, never mind a useless one. If I have one, it’s yet to identify itself!
Never Without:
My notebook, stationary, and coffee.
If I had a walk on song, it would be:
September by Earth, Wind and Fire – because good energy matters.
My unofficial role in the team:
Unofficially responsible for words, tone, and the occasional small tweak.
Our unofficial team superpower:
Turning “this might be complicated” into “don’t worry, we’ve got this”.
One thing that makes this team feel different:
We genuinely care, and that shows. In the way we work, the way we support our members, and the way we look out for each other. Even when things are tough, there’s always plenty of humour and a strong sense of togetherness.
The Official Version
I am the Director of Operations at Devon Local Medical Committee (Devon LMC), where I lead a broad portfolio of operational delivery, transformation and organisational development work in support of General Practice across Devon.
I joined the LMC in 2016 after eight years working in general practice, and I bring a strong understanding of the day-to-day pressures and priorities facing GP teams. In my role, I oversee the organisation’s operational activity and work closely with the Chief Executive to support strategic priorities, governance, and the wider development of the organisation.
My work spans transformation, service development, communications and stakeholder engagement, with a particular focus on strengthening the connection between practices and the LMC, and ensuring members feel supported, informed and able to influence decision-making. I have a strong interest in leadership development and in building modern, resilient organisations that are equipped to respond to the challenges and opportunities they face.
As part of my ongoing professional development, I will begin working towards Chartered Director status with the Institute of Directors (IoD) from October 2026. This reflects my commitment to continuous learning and to further developing my strategic thinking and leadership capability.
Alongside my role, I am passionate about developing future leaders, championing innovation, and ensuring that General Practice has a strong and influential voice within the wider health and care system.
Bob Fancy
Bob Fancy
Chief Executive Officer
The LMC Cast: Quick Fire Questions
Early Bird or Night Owl?
Early Bird.
My completely useless hidden talent?
Largely considered talentless, I can whistle at a pitch which makes most people wince and dogs respond in Cornwall and Somerset.
Never without:
A jet-boil in my car so I can brew up at short notice, especially if I need to rebuild the gear box on a Morris Minor belonging to a stranded nun which then causes me to be late for a meeting 😉
If I had a walk-on song, it would be:
I wasn’t really sure what a walk-on song was; seriously I had to look it up, but now I know it would be Should I Stay or Should I Go’ by the Clash, principally to give people the opportunity to shout “GO”!
My unofficial role in the team:
Occasionally play Bad Santa at the Christmas ‘Do’, although I do worry that is in fact my official role too.
Our unofficial team superpower:
None of us can fly but some can be invisible, especially when it comes to light a fire. As a team, it’s probably finding humour in adversity.
One thing that makes this team feel different:
I was going to say that there were no idiots, but then that would likely identify me as the idiot! In truth, it is difficult to say, but I think we all feel valued by each other, which makes us cohesive.
The Official Version
I joined the LMC in July 2018 as the Operations Director and was appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2019. My expertise lies in management and leadership with a proven record of success leading high performing teams in challenging environments.
The LMC has been both a challenge and a joy. The challenge is rooted in the frustrations of working medico politics on the periphery of a vast system with very little apparent understanding of or respect for General Practice. The joy has been the LMC team, present and past, who really do work very hard to support our members and add value wherever they can. I feel very privileged to have worked with them and the broader GP community in Devon and nationally.
I’ve lived in Devon for over 30 years although I grew up in Dorset. I am married with two grown up daughters and 5 grandchildren. When time allows, I enjoy a lifelong passion for photography and motorbikes.