Meet Our Team

Network Leadership Team

Dr Aravinth Balachandran

Clinical Director

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Aravinth started with Folkestone Hythe and Rural PCN in April 2019.

Aravinth has been a qualified GP for 15 years and is currently a Partner at Oaklands Health Centre in Hythe, Kent. He established the Folkestone, Hythe and Rural Primary Care Network in 2019 as Clinical Director and has provided leadership and strategic vision in growing network delivered services. Aravinth’s former roles include Governing Body Member for South Kent Coast CCG and subsequently Digital Clinical Lead for East Kent CCG prior to the Kent and Medway ICB being established.

Kim Lee

Project Development Manager

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Kim Lee started with Folkestone Hythe and Rural PCN in February 2021.

Kim is an experienced NHS Manager with over twenty five years of NHS experience. A Registered Nurse for 22 years specialising in Cardiology and Respiratory Care . A proven leader with exceptional service delivery and operational expertise, Kim works alongside the practice managers, senior team, and clinical lead to propel the Network into providing an ever expanding list of services for the patients of Folkestone Hythe and Rural PCN. Kim’s former roles include Commissioning Manager and Lead Commissioner for Canterbury CCG and East Kent CCGs prior to the Kent and Medway ICB being established.

Ray Berry

PCN Business Manager

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Ray is an experienced manager with 25 years NHS service, primarily focused on primary care contracting as a commissioner. He also has experience working within the South Kent area, supporting local practices to deliver high-quality care. Throughout his career, Ray has held significant roles, including Head of Primary Care Commissioning and Kent Quality Assurance Lead.

In his role at the PCN, Ray will work closely with operational leads to ensure the sustainability of services and provide strategic support to implement new initiatives. He will lead the PCN’s business operations, overseeing governance, assurance processes, and systems to support efficient and effective service delivery. Additionally, Ray will play a pivotal role in managing the PCN’s growth as it expands its scope of services ensuring the PCN becomes a key player in delivering integrated care in the future.

Tara
Anderson

Operational Manager

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Andy Gove

Digital Transformation Manager

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Andy Gove started with Folkestone Hythe and Rural PCN in April 2021.

Andy has worked in a variety of NHS settings, successfully leading system wide interoperability, record sharing & online consultation programmes and was formally the Digital Transformation Lead at Kent & Medway CCG. Currently, he is working to deliver efficiencies through the considered implementation of digital technologies and their associated operating models. Andy now works directly with multiple PCNs, authoring and facilitating the delivery of successful primary care digital transformation strategies.

Andrew Powell

Digital Transformation Lead

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Tony
Couperthwaite

Digital Transformation Lead

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PCN Board

Aravinth Balachandran
Oaklands Health Centre

Dr
Tom York
White House Surgery

Dr Qasim Mahmood
Hawkinge and Elham Valley Surgery

Dr Rosalind Powell
New Lyminge Surgery

Dr Zaw Thike
Church Road Surgery

Dr Mathibalasingham Chandrakumar
Sun Lane Surgery

Dr Gavin Oochit
Harbour Medical Practice

Integrated Care Team

Emma Smith

Occupational Therapist
Seconded from Kent County Council

Emma started with Folkestone Hythe and Rural PCN in June 2022

Jess Travers

Mental Health Practitioner
Seconded from Kent and Medway NHS Partnership Trust (KMPT)

Jess started with Folkestone Hythe and Rural PCN in December 2021

Leanne
Langford

Mental Health Practitioner
Seconded from Kent and Medway NHS Partnership Trust (KMPT)

Leanne started with Folkestone Hythe and Rural PCN in October 2024