Wolverhampton

Operational Manager

Andrew is the Operations Manager and Lead Advanced Practice Practitioner for Rheumatology and Pain Management at the Wolverhampton Integrated Musculoskeletal Service (WIMS). Since qualifying from Coventry University in 2002, Andrew has worked in many areas of physiotherapy before specialising in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and further specialising in pain management in 2008. He went on to become a Clinical Specialist at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust.

Andrew joined Connect Health in 2017 when the MSK contract in Wolverhampton went live, he works both clinically and in Operational Management for Connect. Andrew has a special interest in medicines and opioid management, as an independent prescriber. Andrew has been involved with NHS England on a project looking at the medication usage nationally and changing prescribing behaviours.

Outside of work Andrew is an active scout leader, Duke of Edinburgh leader/assessor, swimming coach and British Swimming Official.

Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner and Team Leader

Helen graduated from Coventry University in 2015 before completing Band 5 rotations at The Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust, where she developed an interest in musculoskeletal practice.

Since joining Connect Health, Helen has progressed through the Advanced Development Programme (ADP) where she further developed her assessment and practice skills before attaining the post of Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner and Team Leader. As she has developed her practice, Helen has grown an interest in social prescribing as part of, and alongside, physiotherapy practice to help deliver person-centered care.

Helen is passionate about the delivery of high-quality care and sits as one of the community leaders for @WeAHPs (a twitter community dedicated to enhancing professional development and promoting best practice for allied health professionals). She also acts as Co-Chair of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy’s West Midlands English Regional Network.

Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner in Pain and Team Leader

Mahin graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2015. Following qualification, he gained experience within the NHS before joining Connect Health in 2017, where he progressed through the Accelerated Development Programme (ADP), before being appointed as a Senior MSK Physiotherapist. Throughout the past 3 years, Mahin has provided physiotherapy for complex musculoskeletal cases, including persistent pain, leading to a Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner Pain Management.

Mahin is passionate about empowering those he works with to ensure that management is patient-led; aiming to always provide education for the individual to ensure effective rehabilitation in line with their goals and values. He has recently completed an independent prescribing course and has a special interest in improving overall health by facilitating positive lifestyle changes. Outside of work, Mahin enjoys personal fitness, mainly through kickboxing and cricket, and loves to travel.

Clinical Delivery Lead

Matthew joined Connect Health in November 2019 to work in an Advanced Practice Physiotherapist role and has also been recently appointed Clinical Lead for the Wolverhampton Integrated Musculoskeletal Service (WIMS). Since qualifying from Coventry University in 2003, Matthew completed his core rotations at the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust for a period of 18 months. He then went on to work in an extended scope role in an early orthopaedic hip and knee surgery discharge scheme following his rotations. Matthew has remained static in MSK outpatients for 16 years in both NHS and Private settings. He completed his post graduate Masters modules at Coventry University in Injection Therapy and Advanced Practice and was successful in gaining his first Advanced Practice Physiotherapist role in 2014. In 2016, he went into a split clinical and managerial role in the Orthopaedic Assessment Service at Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust.

Matthew is passionate about developing services in close partnership with the local and wider MSK team within Connect Health, Wolverhampton CCG and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, to deliver the best possible patient experience.

Outside of work, Matthew enjoys spending time with his wife and son and enjoys going to National Trust sites, walking and cycling.

Consultant in Rheumatology

Dr Laith Al Sweedan is a Consultant in Rheumatology and has special interests in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, musculoskeletal ultrasound, osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease. Dr Al Sweedan’s medical training was in London.

Dr Al Sweedan is a member of the British Society for Rheumatology and the National Osteoporosis Society. He has an interest in medical education and was previously honorary clinical lecturer teaching for medical students from the Warwick University.

Sports and Exercise Medicine Consultant

Senior MSK Clinician and Team Leader

Senior Physiotherapist / Pain Physiotherapist and Team Leader