Meet the team

Dr Christopher Mountford

Consultant gastroenterologist, Service Lead for intestinal failure and rehabilitation

I’m a consultant gastroenterologist in Newcastle upon Tyne, where I’ve been in post since 2014.

I have a particular interest in nutrition support and work within the adult regional home parenteral nutrition service. I work very closely alongside Nick Thompson and Suzi Batchelor, as well as surgical, dietetic, nursing, pharmacy and psychology colleagues to provide a specialist service for the North East and Cumbria. I am passionate about the important role of nutrition in patient care.

When not at work I enjoy spending time in the lovely North East countryside with my family and our black Labrador or out on my bike.

Dr Nick Thompson

Consultant gastroenterologist

The idea of intestinal failure is not well known and the service in Newcastle has grown gradually over the past 20 years to one of the largest in the country. 

I really enjoy working with other members of the team to reassure patients and their families about their condition and to see them get better and gain confidence. 

When I am not at work, I might be playing real tennis, making chutney or marmalade or walking a very lovely greyhound.

Dr Suzi Batchelor

Consultant gastroenterologist

I joined the Intestinal failure and home parenteral nutrition team here in Newcastle in 2022.

I enjoy working within a challenging, interesting and evolving subspecialty with a wonderful team of colleagues to deliver patient centred care both in and out of hospital.

When not at work I enjoy spin classes, baking and enjoying time on the beach with my family.

Mr Fintan Bergin

Consultant surgeon

The adult intestinal failure (IF) service has developed over more than a decade.

My initial involvement stemmed from experience and wide practice in inflammatory bowel disease.

The IF service is exciting and new. We seek to provide the best possible surgical care for patients including rehabilitation and reconstruction where possible. We have a dedicated and expanding team.

Miss Neena Randhawa

Consultant colorectal surgeon

The challenges and complexity of intestinal failure management and surgical needs is what attracted me to specialise in this field. I am a new member to the intestinal failure team, but I have really enjoyed my time here so far.

When I am not at work, I like baking. Decorating cakes is very therapeutic!

Hayley Leyland

Lead specialist HPN nurse

I have been the lead nurse specialist for adult HPN for 12 years, a role which I thoroughly enjoy.

I am very lucky to work alongside colleagues who are passionate about improving our service and the quality of life for our patients on HPN.

Outside of work I enjoy playing or watching tennis, watching my son play rugby and looking after our rescue cat Lola.

Jessica McDonald

Specialist HPN nurse

As a nurse working with home parenteral nutrition, I enjoy being able to work closely with patients and their families, both in the hospital and their homes, for as long as they need our services. It is amazing to watch people grow and follow their achievements.

When I am not at work, I am in the gym or reading!

Viki Gale

Specialist HPN nurse

I have worked on the ward looking after patients on TPN for a very long time and I'm excited and proud to be working as part of the nutrition team.

I really enjoy working closely with patients and their families to assist them to get on TPN and supporting them at home.

Outside of work I like to be in my garden with my dog, cat, poultry, and bees. I enjoy the countryside and long walks. I also love cooking for my family and friends.

Lisa Gemmell

Lead dietitian

I have cared for people on home parenteral nutrition since 2006 and throughout that time, it has been a pleasure to see so many young people transition to the adult service. It is the most enjoyable part of my job as a dietitian to make sure young people can reach their potential and have some independence as much as possible.

In my spare time, I enjoy sea swimming and paddle boarding, spending time with my family and friends.

Collette Kirk

Senior dietitian and NIHR training fellow

My favourite part of being a dietitian within home parenteral nutrition is creating patient specific nutritional plans that allows that person to feel stronger, fitter and more energised. From the point of referral, the transformations we see in patients are incredible.

Outside of work, I’m often entertaining my two-year-old, running or travelling!

Lucy Winter

Lead specialist dietitian

I have recently returned to working within the intestinal failure and home parenteral nutrition team. The team are fantastic and ensure that the patient is always at the centre of care. I enjoy working as part of the team to help patients meet their nutritional goals.

Outside of work, I enjoy anything outdoors such as running, cycling and paddle boarding.

Katie Bell

Lead pharmacist

As a pharmacist my role is to ensure we use the most effective and evidence-based medicines within the IF service as well as tailoring them to each individual. I also work closely with the dietitians to provide home parental nutrition.

When I’m not at work you’ll find me out in the countryside with my dogs, falling off a surfboard, or cooking for family and friends.