MEET THE TEAM
Prof. Frank Joseph
Professor Joseph has extensive experience in all aspects of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Obesity Management and Internal medicine and has been a consultant since 2009.
In endocrinology, he has a large practice involving all aspects of endocrinology such as pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, reproductive and metabolic bone disorders, including osteoporosis. In diabetes, he has extensive experience in all aspects of treatment of the condition and its complications with a special interest in complex management of Type 2 and Type 1 diabetes.
He has been clinical lead of the Tier 3 weight man service at the Countess of Chester that supports individuals preparing for bariatric (weight loss) surgery. He leads a successful clinical trials unit that has achieved highest recruitment figures nationally to studies involving cutting edge therapies for obesity, diabetes and its complications. He publishes in peer reviewed journals on a regular basis on various diabetes and endocrine topics and presents nationally and internationally.
In addition to being a Consultant Physician in Endocrinology and Diabetes at the Countess of Chester Hospital, he is the clinical lead for an award winning Integrated Diabetes Services. He is Chairman of the Western Cheshire Diabetes Network. His other leadership roles have included Divisional Medical Director for Urgent Care at the Countess of Chester Hospital. He has previously been the Chairman of the New Consultants Committee, the Acute Care Fellow and Future Hospital Officer at the Royal College of Physicians, London.
Frank’s interest lies in integrated working to achieve the best patient outcomes and excellent patient satisfaction through person centered care.
Mrs Lesley Poole
Mrs Lesley Poole is a registered and accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist and longstanding member of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) and the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
She has substantial experience of effectively treating a wide range of complex psychological problems within and outside of the National Health Service (NHS). Her clinical practice has been shown to improve the mental health and well-being of patients both at a statistical and clinical level.
Lesley is a Professional Lead for Cognitive and Behavioural Psychotherapies within an NHS Specialist Weight Management Service providing leadership, consultancy and training within the sphere of clinical practice.
She is also the Psychological Lead within a Bariatric Service at the Countess of Chester Hospital. Other professional roles include working as a Psychotherapist within a University since 2004 and providing professional services within the voluntary sector.
Lesley has a specialist interest in weight management and the treatment of problematic eating and is passionate about helping patients reshape their relationship with food. As an experienced Mindfulness teacher, she offer a range of Mindfulness Based Interventions, such as, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for recurrent depression, Mindfulness for Health (MfH) and Mindfulness Based Compassionate Living (MBCL), as well as Mindful Stress Reduction (MSR) and Mindful Resilience (MR).
Lesley is passionate about improving patient experience and achieving best patient outcomes. Her philosophy is to provide high quality, professional and personalised care.
Ms Susan Gallagher
Ms Susan Gallagher is a registered dietitian with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and a member of the British Dietetic Association (BDA) and the BDA Diabetes Specialist group.
She is a registered dietitian practicing in the NHS, with a breadth of knowledge and experience in supporting individuals to achieve their nutrition goals. As dietetic lead for Long Term Conditions within a Community Nutrition Team, she is involved in the areas of diabetes, weight management and cardiac rehabilitation.
In the area of weight management, Susan worked within a NHS weight management service supporting individuals preparing for weight loss/bariatric surgery. This involves working with individuals who wish to improve the nutritional quality of their diet and achieve their weight loss targets, and exploring and overcoming the challenges they may face in doing so. She has experience in supporting individuals during and after their weight loss surgery, as part of an NHS Tier 4 weight management service. Having worked within a multidisciplinary team, she has a rounded approach to weight management, understanding the psychological, physical and medical barriers that exist in body weight challenges.
Susan has a special interest in diabetes; working within a diabetes specialist team at the Countess of Chester Hospital, with clinical expertise in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. She has extensive experience in carbohydrate counting and insulin dose adjustment for the management of type 1 diabetes; and the use of technology such as continuous and flash glucose monitoring and insulin pump therapy. She works to support individuals to match their clinical condition to their lifestyle, supporting them with their personal and medical goals. Working with individuals to realise their goals is what offers Susan satisfaction in her role. She supports individuals to understand evidence-based nutrition which can be incorporated into everyday life and maintained long term for the optimisation of health.
