Meet the Team - South West Imaging Training Academy

Rachael Hilton - Co-Clinical Director (Radiography)

Rachael qualified as a radiographer in 2003 from Cranfield University, Royal Military College of Science, and began her career as a rotational radiographer. Over the years, she has gained experience across a range of modalities, including trauma, CT, and Cardiac Cath Labs.

In 2013, Rachael achieved a Postgraduate Diploma in Appendicular and Axial Reporting at Canterbury Christ Church University, having studied while working as the Emergency Department Superintendent at the Great Western Hospital. Rachael has previously been an Imaging Service Lead and has managed several large capital projects. Rachael has always remained close to clinical practice, continuing to work alongside the frontline imaging workforce.

Teaching and workforce development are Rachael’s passions. Having joined SWITA in April 2024, she is proud to be part of a team dedicated to supporting, developing, and upskilling both current and future imaging professionals. Rachael says: “It’s a privilege to contribute to shaping the future of our workforce and to help ensure high-quality imaging services across the region”.

Dr Mark Puckett - Co-Clinical Director (Radiology)

Mark qualified as a doctor from the University of Southampton in 1996. He undertook his specialist training in radiology at the Peninsula School of Radiology and was appointed as a consultant radiologist at Torbay hospital in 2004.  In 2019 he was appointed at University Hospitals Plymouth as a consultant radiologist specialising in gastrointestinal radiology. He has a keen interest in radiology education, and has been a college tutor, training programme director and Head of School within the Peninsula School of Radiology. Mark remains an educational supervisor. Mark is the Vice chair for the FRCR2b exams for the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) and is responsible for a new component of the 2b exam. He is a member of the RCR CESR committee.  Mark also has research interests, publishing on various subjects. In his spare time, Mark enjoys spending time with his family, walking his two dogs and going to Florida.

Julia Cherrill - Ultrasound Education Lead

Julia is an ultrasound education lead with over 30 years in the NHS and still loving every minute of it. She started out at the Oxford School of Radiography and later earned a PGDip in Medical Ultrasound, plus the Mary Seacole Leadership qualification.  Julia led ultrasound services in a busy acute hospital for over 10yrs, supporting brilliant teams and making sure patients always came first.

Julia has spoken at universities and conferences, mentored countless students, and helped shape services that truly put people at the heart of care. Julia says: “I’m proud to be part of the NHS, where compassion and high standards go hand in hand”.

Outside of work, Julia enjoys crafting, wild swimming, getting lost in nature, or curling up with a good book.

Lisa Hurndall - Sonography Lead Practice Educator

Lisa is a qualified sonographer and an accredited Practice Educator with the College of Radiographers. With extensive experience in ultrasound practice and education, she provides tailored learning for a wide range of learners while also supporting fellow practice educators to deliver high-quality training and guidance. Her work focuses on creating positive, supportive learning environments where learners feel confident, valued, and empowered to thrive.

Christopher Hanton - Clinical lead and MSK Module Lead

Chris works as a reporting radiographer at the University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP) and is also the SWITA Reporting Programme Lead and MSK Module Lead. He qualified in 2015 from the University of Exeter and completed his PgDip in MSK reporting in 2019. He works clinically within x-ray and has been independently reporting for the last six years. He is passionate about teaching and service improvement and is currently developing a Radiographer Led Discharge service within UHP. Chris is also studying for his MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice at the University of Exeter. 

Matthew Mackenzie - Chest and Abdominal X-Ray Module lead

Julia is an ultrasound education lead with over 30 years in the NHS and still loving every minute of it. She started out at the Oxford School of Radiography and later earned a PGDip in Medical Ultrasound, plus the Mary Seacole Leadership qualification.  Julia led ultrasound services in a busy acute hospital for over 10yrs, supporting brilliant teams and making sure patients always came first.

Julia has spoken at universities and conferences, mentored countless students, and helped shape services that truly put people at the heart of care. Julia says: “I’m proud to be part of the NHS, where compassion and high standards go hand in hand”.

Outside of work, Julia enjoys crafting, wild swimming, getting lost in nature, or curling up with a good book.

Amy Vosper - CT Head Module Lead

Amy Vosper is a specialist CT head reporting radiographer at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. Since qualifying in CT head reporting from Birmingham City University in 2018, she has been part of the CT head reporting service in Plymouth and continues to work clinically in CT. As CT Module Lead for SWITA, Amy is passionate about CT head reporting and promoting its value across the region. She also guest lectures at Plymouth University and UWE, champions enhanced and advanced practice and shares her expertise to support the development of her team and the wider profession.

Michelle Robinson Miller - MRI Module lead

Michelle began her career as a radiographer in 2012 after graduating from the University of Exeter. In 2022, she gained a PG Certificate in Advanced Clinical Practice with MRI from the University of Exeter, and then in 2023 a PG Certificate in Clinical Reporting MSK MRI from Christchurch and Canterbury University. Michelle is currently working as an MRI reporting radiographer and education lead at the Royal Devon University Hospital in Exeter and as the MRI MSK module lead for SWITA. She is a member of the SoR MR Advisory Group and maintains connection with undergraduate and postgraduate education programmes through guest lecturing at the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth. Passionate about improving education and investment in the radiography workforce, Michelle champions enhanced and advanced practice roles within the workplace, enabling radiographers to build skills and knowledge to create satisfying careers that improve patient care.

Nadine Singh - Senior Project Manager

Nadine is a project manager with over 21 years’ experience in the health sector. Prior to joining SWITA, she worked for Skills for Health and then Health Education England, undertaking numerous projects and programmes across workforce development and health education.

Louise Hancock - Radiography Education Lead

Louise graduated from the University of Exeter with a BSc in Medical Imaging in 2010 and worked at Derriford Hospital specialising in X-ray and Practice Education. Following completion of her PG Cert in Clinical Education, she secured a post on the undergraduate programme at Exeter before moving onto a secondment at NHSE as the Imaging Workforce and Transformation Lead in the South West. An accredited educator with the Society and College of Radiographers and the Higher Education Academy, Louise is currently undertaking her MSc in Advanced Professional Practice at the University of Plymouth.

Louise is now the radiography education lead and is working on a number of projects to support training and development of the radiography and support worker workforce.

Sarah Dunn - Academy Manager

Sarah has been employed within the NHS since 2002 and has been an integral part of SWITA since its inception. She became the original Plymouth radiology academy manager in 2014, bringing a wealth of experience to her current role.

Sarah holds an MSc in Healthcare Management and Innovation. She has a keen interest in sustainability and is a qualified mental health first aider, actively promoting well-being.