LOUISE STUART MBE, MSc, FCPM, NMP
Senior Partner/ Musculoskeletal Specialist/Podiatrist
Louise Stuart MBE is a renowned advocate and leader in her field with nearly 40 years of experience in podiatry. As CEO and partner at Gold Standard Foot & Leg Clinic, Louise builds on an impressive NHS background, having served as a diabetes specialist podiatrist at consultant level. Awarded an MBE by the Queen in 2008 for her significant contributions to the profession, Louise’s expertise includes advanced treatment modalities such as Fascial Manipulation (Stecco method), Laser Therapy, Shockwave Therapy and Focused Electromagnetic Therapy for lower limb conditions. Passionate about innovation and education, Louise remains dedicated to providing patient-centred care.
GAVIN SKEHAN BSc(Hons)
Associate Partner
Gavin Skehan is a partner at Gold Standard Foot & Leg Clinic with extensive NHS experience and over 25 years in private practice. Specialising in all aspects of lower limb podiatry, Gavin is a qualified provider of Shockwave Therapy and Focused Electromagnetic Therapy. He has been actively involved in diabetes teams during his NHS tenure, contributing to research at North Manchester and Chorley Hospitals. Based in Leigh and Hindley, Gavin is committed to delivering high-quality, holistic care for a range of podiatric conditions. His comprehensive background and dedication to innovative treatments make him a trusted expert in the field.
NEIL WILLIAMSON BSc (Hons)
Associate Podiatrist
Neil joined Gold Standard Foot & Leg Clinic after earning a First-Class Honours degree in Podiatry from The University of Salford. A keen cyclist, hiker and runner, Neil understands the importance of feet and legs for movement and is dedicated to helping others stay active. Neil has a keen interest in nail surgery and employs advanced treatments, including Shockwave Therapy and Focused Electromagnetic Therapy, to address lower limb and foot concerns. Outside of work, Neil has raised over £9,000 for local charities bike riding 2,000 miles across Europe in 20 days. Neil’s commitment to patient care and community inspires all.
JAKE YATES BSc (Hons)
Associate Podiatrist
Jake is a dedicated podiatrist who began his career in the Royal Military Police. Serving in Cyprus, Northern Ireland, and Helmand Province, Afghanistan, he specialised in weapon intelligence while embedded in an EOD team. Jake later pursued podiatric medicine at the University of Salford, graduating with First Class Honours. With a keen interest in anatomy and physiology, he is passionate about achieving pain‐free function. Jake’s extensive NHS experience is complemented by expertise in nail surgery and sporting injuries, with further training in Fascial Manipulation (Stecco), Shockwave Therapy and Focused Electromagnetic Therapy. A devoted family man with a young son, Jake enjoys playing football in his free time.
KELLY AMPHLETT BSc
Associate Podiatrist
Kelly is an advanced specialist podiatrist with over 25 years’ experience in the NHS, having graduated from Huddersfield in 1999. Currently serving in the NHS, she focuses on high-risk and diabetic foot care, providing expert treatment to some of the most complex cases. As a team leader within the NHS, Kelly manages a dedicated group of podiatrists, offering guidance, support and mentoring to ensure exceptional patient care. Kelly’s organised and efficient approach has earned her a reputation for excellence in the field. Passionate about advancing podiatry, Kelly continually seeks to enhance her skills both within the NHS and at Gold Standard Foot & Leg Clinic.
SHELLEY KENNEDY BSc (Hons)
Practice Manager
Shelley is the dedicated Practice Manager at Gold Standard Foot & Leg Clinic, serving as the first point of contact. With a first-class honours degree in Sports and Exercise and extensive experience in patient-facing roles, she excels at building excellent rapport with every patient. Always willing to make time for others, Shelley manages incoming calls and face-to-face interactions with efficiency, warmth, and professionalism. Her proactive, organised approach ensures smooth operations and an outstanding patient experience. Known for her unwavering commitment to excellence, Shelley embodies the compassionate, patient-centred values that define our clinic’s exceptional service and consistently inspires confidence.
ALISON DEWHURST DPodM, BSc, MChS
Associate Podiatrist
Alison is an experienced podiatrist with over 30 years in the NHS, specialising in high‐risk foot care and health education. Her dedication and expertise have been pivotal in improving patient outcomes, notably through her involvement in the national diabetic foot audit, which focuses on the high‐risk diabetic foot. Alison has led the diabetic team in Bedford, delivering comprehensive care in both hospital and community settings. Known for her friendly and personable approach, she always places patients at the centre of her care. Her excellent organisational skills, empathy, and commitment to ongoing professional development make her a valued leader in podiatry.
MOUSHUMI MIAH BSc (Hons)
Associate Podiatrist
Moushumi is a highly skilled podiatrist who graduated from The University of Salford with First-Class Honours. With extensive experience in both private practice and the NHS, Moushumi is a specialist in diabetic wound care with a focus on managing and educating patients with renal failure and high-risk diabetic foot conditions. Moushumi enjoys collaborating with healthcare professionals to ensure vulnerable adults and the elderly receive excellent patient-centred care. Her exceptional patience and understanding when working with patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia support her holistic approach tailored to each individual’s needs.
KATH PARNELL BSc (Hons)
Associate Podiatrist
Kath is an experienced podiatrist, working in both Leigh and Prestwich. She qualified from The University of Salford in 2007 and served as a clinical tutor until 2023, training future podiatrists in treatments such as verruca needling, nail surgery and biomechanical assessments. Kath has worked in multidisciplinary teams caring for high-risk diabetic patients as well as Manchester’s homeless population. Additionally, Kath is qualified in Shockwave Therapy for various lower limb pathologies. With a holistic approach that tailors treatment to each patient’s needs, her commitment to excellence delivers outstanding results and distinguishes her as an exceptional professional in every case.
SARAH JACOBSON BSc (Hons)
Associate Podiatrist
Sarah, our dedicated podiatrist based in our Prestwich clinic, is committed to providing exceptional care for routine foot concerns. With a passion for promoting optimal mobility, she specialises in treating common conditions such as calluses, corns, verrucae, fungal nails, and other minor ailments. Employing a patient-centred approach, Sarah listens carefully to individual needs and tailors her treatment plans accordingly. Using modern techniques, she delivers effective care in a welcoming environment. Whether you need a routine check-up or targeted treatment, Sarah is devoted to helping you achieve healthier, happier feet and a more active lifestyle every day, committed to quality service.
DEBORAH RUFF
Vascular Nurse Specialist
Debbie is a lead Vascular Nurse in North Manchester, holding a Master’s in Nursing and specialist qualifications in vascular nursing and leg ulcer management. With over 30 years’ NHS experience, she excels in treating complex wounds of the lower limb and foot. Debbie specialises in managing arterial and venous disease, undertaking lower limb arterial assessments and providing compression therapies. Debbie continues to work in the NHS, holding monthly clinics at our Leyland Clinic. Additionally, Debbie often lectures at The University of Salford and presents at National Conferences on vascular and diabetes-related complications. Debbie’s expertise ensures improved patient outcomes.
JACKIE BOLAM BSc (Hons)
Associate Podiatrist
Jacky is an advanced specialist podiatrist who qualified in 1986. Since then, she has worked extensively within the NHS, developing expertise in diabetes management and high-risk foot care across varied settings. Now, she brings her wealth of experience to Gold Standard Foot & Leg Clinic, working on Saturdays in either Leigh or Hindley. Adopting a holistic approach, Jacky tailors treatments to meet each patient’s individual needs. Jacky’s dedication and clinical expertise make her an invaluable member of our team; her compassionate care consistently benefits every patient she meets. Outside of work, she enjoys walking her dogs and riding horses.
Paige McDonald BSc (Hons)
Associate Podiatrist
Paige is a dedicated podiatrist with a background in dental nursing, ensuring a patient-centred approach to foot and ankle care. With a passion for healthcare, she expertly diagnoses and treats a wide range of conditions, including sports injuries, diabetic foot issues and preventative care. Her meticulous attention to detail and compassionate demeanour guarantee high-quality, personalised treatment for every patient. Before her podiatry career, Paige honed her precision and care skills as a dental nurse—qualities that continue to enhance her practice. Outside work, she cherishes time with her daughter, Eliza, exploring new places and creating cherished memories with genuine enthusiasm.
Yescica Livesey MRCPod
Associate Podiatrist
Yescica began her career as a principal dancer with the world-famous Danza Libre, performing at prestigious venues including The Royal Opera House London and the National Theatre in Cuba. In the early 2000s she moved to England to study Podiatry Medicine, graduating from The University of Salford in 2008. Yescica’s background in dance gives her an unparalleled understanding of balance and lower limb function. While working for the NHS, she gained ten years’ experience in wound care, dermatology, diabetes, rheumatology, paediatrics, biomechanics, vascular, and musculoskeletal foot conditions. In 2017, Yescica qualified as a Sports Therapist, further specialising in joint manipulation, Shockwave Therapy, Laser Therapy and Focused Electromagnetic Therapy in private practice, delivering excellence.
Lesley Sproson
Receptionist
Lesley brings a wealth of experience from a diverse background, having worked for a local authority, run her own stage, sound and lighting business, and managed a charity shop where she met her husband. At our Chorley Podiatry Clinic, Lesley excels as a receptionist, using her extensive administrative and customer care expertise. Known for her calm demeanour and exceptional organisational skills, she is adept at managing appointments, handling queries and creating a welcoming environment for every patient. Lesley’s empathy and professionalism ensure every patient receives outstanding service. Her versatile skills and adaptability make her an invaluable asset to our team.
Karine Colas BSc (Hons)
Associate Podiatrist
Karine, based at our Prestwich Saturday clinic, boasts 16 years’ NHS experience and a patient-centred approach. Beginning her career as a podiatry assistant, Karine qualified as a Specialist Podiatrist from The University of Salford in 2023. In addition to providing routine podiatry care and nail surgery, Karine works in a multidisciplinary diabetic foot clinic in Central Manchester, where she has developed skills in managing complex wounds, including offloading the diabetic foot using various casting techniques. Recently, she has embraced clinical research at the Manchester Diabetes Centre. In her spare time, Karine enjoys long walks in the Peak District and regularly exploring new crafting projects.
Maryanne Walker BSc (Hons)
Associate Podiatrist
Maryanne is a qualified podiatrist who earned her First-Class Honours degree from The University of Salford in 2023. With over a decade of experience as a senior dental nurse, she brings a wealth of patient care expertise. Maryanne’s work on a specialist diabetic foot team—collaborating with vascular consultants and endocrinologists—enhanced her skills in diabetic medicine and specialist care. Experienced in both NHS and private practice, Maryanne enjoys tackling complex nail surgery cases. A proud mum with a passion for nutrition and holistic wellness, she empowers patients to achieve balance, healing, and healthier, happier lives.
Jodie Quinn BSc (Hons)
Associate Podiatrist
Jodie joined Gold Standard Foot & Leg Clinic after earning a First-Class Honours Degree in Podiatry from The University of Salford in 2019. Previously, Jodie worked as a dental nurse in community and hospital settings, bringing a wealth of patient care experience. Jodie serves as a specialist podiatrist in NHS high-risk clinics, focusing on diabetic and high-risk foot care. She is skilled in routine podiatry for all ages, managing callus, corns, verrucae, fungal nails, and ingrown nails, and has performed numerous nail surgery procedures. Additionally, further training in Shockwave Therapy allows Jodie to treat various lower limb pathologies.
