Dr Nilu Vajpeyi
Medical Director
Dr Nilu Vajpeyi (BSc, MBBS, MRCGP, DPD, CAP)
Dr Nilu Vajpeyi
Whilst transforming her current surgery by almost doubling the list size in just 6 years, Dr Vajpeyi recognised the need for high-quality intermediate services within the Croydon borough she practices in.
Her keen interest in Dermatology was the catalyst for bidding for the Croydon Dermatology contract, Communitas’ first, a contract we have maintained since 2009. The successful delivery of this contract has led to the award of similar dermatology contracts in Havering, Barking and Dagenham, Greenwich, Bexley, Surrey Downs and West Sussex, providing intermediate dermatology care to a population of over 2 million.
Dr Vajpeyi is a GPwSI in Dermatology and has also completed a Certificate of Advanced Study in Allergy management, with distinction (from Imperial College, London), and has been instrumental in the development of this organisation with her focus on excellent clinical governance processes.
Christian Lyons
Managing Director
Christian Lyons
Christian’s main focus is to continue to develop Communitas Clinics and improve the quality of intermediate and primary care services in the UK.
He sees this being delivered through innovative service developments and pathway redesign, a multidisciplinary approach to the management of chronic conditions and a stronger emphasis on prevention and lifestyle management.
His main focus over the past 10 years has been the improvement of standards in healthcare services provided in the community through his stewardship of Brigstock Family Practice, Brigstock Skin and Laser and Communitas Clinics.
His innovative approach has resulted in reduced waiting times for an NHS appointment in the services Communitas provides to between 2-4 weeks, whilst reducing the cost per episode and therefore saving NHS Commissioners up to 40% of the cost of a secondary care contact. These operational achievements have been delivered whilst attaining patient satisfaction levels of 95% and above.
Under Christian’s leadership, Communitas had grown to become the UK’s leading provider of community-based dermatology services in the UK, providing intermediate care for a population of over two million in and around the South East of England.
Vicky Bernard
HR Director
Vicky Bernard
Vicky has been HR Director at Communitas Clinics since its inception in 2007.
Vicky remains committed to supporting the development of a primary care workforce equipped to meet the future challenges of the NHS. She has been involved in the provision of Primary Care Services since she joined General Practice in Croydon as a Fundholding Manager in 1995, and is currently also the Managing Partner at a large GP Practice.
Working within a teaching and training organisation, Vicky has played a significant role in the development of medical students and future GPs. In 2003 she ventured into a consultancy role initially assisting in the recruitment of staff, advising on policies, procedures and systems to ensure good quality care and securing resources for a newly formed Central London partnership, followed by a role within Croydon Primary Care Trust supporting practices in managing the newly introduced Quality and Outcomes framework and developing Clinical Governance structures. She was also responsible for providing general management support and advice to approximately 30 GP Practices and with two other Practice Manager colleagues for organising a training programme for all non-clinical staff in Croydon Practices.
Vicky continues to work closely with the management team to ensure Communitas maintains a competent, motivated and accountable workforce.
Dr D Lichtenstein
Lead Dermatology Consultant
Dr Daniel Lichtenstein
Dr Lichtenstein (MD, MHA, MPA) has published many papers on dermatology and has presented at numerous scientific meetings all over the world.
He was educated at Harvard University, USA, where he has also lectured. Dr Lichtenstein is a talented linguist; as well as English he speaks French, Hebrew, Spanish, Italian, German, Dutch and Arabic.
Born in France and educated in the USA and Israel, Dr Lichtensein has held a number of consultant posts in hospitals throughout the UK and presented to many medical bodies, including the British Association of Dermatologists. In addition to his regular hospital posts Dr Lichtenstein is also the consultant lead for Communitas Clinics dermatology services, providing educational support to clinicians and providing clinic appointments in and around the South East of England.
