Pennine GP Alliance (PGPA) is welcoming a new Clinical Director to its Board as Dr David Burley steps down from the role following more than three decades working as a GP in Calderdale.
David joined the PGPA Board in June 2024 after becoming Clinical Director for the Upper Calder Valley Primary Care Network (PCN). Since then, he has brought a wealth of frontline experience, thoughtful leadership and a strong commitment to supporting general practice across Calderdale.
Having spent his entire GP career at the same Calderdale practice, David has a deep understanding of the realities facing patients, clinicians and practices. His experience across clinical practice, staffing, complaints, service transformation and practice management has given him a practical perspective that has been invaluable to Board discussions.
During his time with PGPA, David has been a strong advocate for sustainable, high-quality primary care and the role of general practice at the heart of local communities. He has contributed to discussions about how services can be delivered effectively at scale, while ensuring that the voice and experience of practices remain central to decision-making.
David said:
“It has been an honour to have worked within the NHS throughout my working life. I have had the privilege of working with some truly great people over the years, and the camaraderie is something I will particularly miss. I am incredibly grateful for the people I have worked alongside and the experiences I have had throughout my career.
“My time with Pennine GP Alliance has been a new and rewarding experience for me. It has given me the opportunity to see how we can work collaboratively to improve services for patients across Calderdale and influence positive change. I am proud to have played a part in that work and wish PGPA, its practices and everyone I have worked with all the very best for the future.”
John Somers, PGPA Chair of the Board said:
“We are incredibly grateful to David for everything he has contributed to PGPA during his time as Clinical Director and as a member of our Board. His experience, insight and commitment to general practice have been hugely valued, and he has brought a thoughtful and considered perspective to our discussions. We wish him all the very best for his retirement and thank him for the important contribution he has made.
Welcoming Dr Caroline Mahon, our newest PGPA Board Member
Taking on the role of Clinical Director for the Upper Calder Valley Primary Care Network (PCN) and joining the PGPA Board is Dr Caroline Mahon, who brings more than 20 years’ experience as a GP, including nearly 13 years as a partner at Todmorden Group Practice.
Caroline has also been a member of the Upper Calder Valley PCN Board since its inception, giving her a strong understanding of the network, its development and the work already underway across the neighbourhood.
Having lived in Calderdale for the past 13 years, Caroline has a strong connection to the community she will represent. She understands the diverse challenges facing local people, including an ageing population, health inequalities, pockets of deprivation and the distances some patients travel to access care.
Caroline said:
“I wanted to take on the role because I would like to play a more active part in shaping how we deliver and improve care locally in our communities. Having been a local GP for 13 years and a partner at Todmorden Group Practice for almost that same time, I have a good understanding of the challenges facing our patients and our practices.”
She sees the role as an opportunity to provide continuity while building on the strong foundations already established across the Upper Calder Valley.
“Our PCN has already done a great deal of work to develop neighbourhood working and, because of that, we are helping to lead the way in Calderdale. I want to build on those foundations, continuing to secure the resources and services our communities need while making sure our practices and workforce are supported.”
Caroline is also passionate about ensuring that the views and experiences of local practices are represented and that staff feel valued and supported as general practice continues to face significant pressures.
“I am committed to supporting our PCN workforce and recognise the pressures they face. I want to continue fostering an environment where people feel valued and supported, while making sure we remain focused on improving care for our patients.”
Her appointment provides both continuity and an opportunity to further strengthen clinical leadership across the Upper Calder Valley as PGPA continues to support the development of neighbourhood models of care across Calderdale.
As a Clinical Director on the PGPA Board, Caroline will bring the experience of local general practice into strategic discussions, helping to ensure that the priorities, challenges and opportunities facing practices and their communities continue to shape PGPA’s work.
John Somers, PGPA Chair of the Board said:
“We are delighted to welcome Caroline to the PGPA Board and look forward to working with her in this new role. Her extensive experience in general practice, knowledge of the Upper Calder Valley and strong connection to the local community will be a real asset as we continue to strengthen general practice, develop neighbourhood working and improve care for patients across Calderdale.”
Learn more about our PGPA Board Members here.
Learn more about PGPA here.