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Meet the Team

Meet the team

Clinical team

The clinical team of Medical Imaging Technologists (MITs) work on the unit in scheduled rotations.

Simon Felton

Charge MIT

Simon has been with the Mobile Lithotripsy Unit almost since it was first rolled out. Having the most experience means he is the go-to guy for the other MRTS. He holds a heavy traffic license from the days when the MRTs used to drive the unit as well, and he still has a turn behind the wheel every now and again. He also works as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in private practice in Christchurch.

James Hayes

MIT (The Irishman)

James has been with the company since 2002 and combined this clinical work with his role as a lecturer at the University of Otago and Ara Institute of Technology. His Master’s thesis looked at the modifiable technical factors of ESWL on effective and efficient urinary stone fragmentation. It was during his time as a lecturer that he could see a more immersive way for students to learn. His teaching experience, combined with his prior clinical roles, led him to create the world’s first Edtech company which specializes in Virtual Reality simulation software, Big Data, artificial intelligence, and adaptive learning. James was a semi-finalist in the New Zealander of the Year awards in 2021 and won the Microsoft Supreme Prize for developing and implementing innovative, world-first, Virtual Reality training in 2020.

Debbie Bourke

MIT

Debbie joined the team early in 2018 as a MIT and enjoys the diversity of working on the unit. Debbie has worked in many roles during her clinical career such as applications consultant, PACs, referrer support and team leadership. As well as lithotripsy, she enjoys the hospital environment’s varied imaging modes within general radiography, including cone beam CTs, theatre and interventional procedures.

Karen Miller

MIT

As the newest clinical member on the unit, Karen is enjoying the opportunity to diversify from working in an x-ray department environment to travelling around the country working on the unit. She has many years of experience as a medical radiation technologist working both here and abroad. Karen also works as a radiographer in private practice in Christchurch.

The mobile lithotripsy unit team

Steerologists – We have three dedicated steerologists (also known as drivers) who alternate driving the unit. The driver’s job is not complete upon reaching their destination; they are also responsible for the deployment and effective operation of the unit at each site.

Gavin Hurring

Steerologist (aka Driver)

With 35 years’ professional driving experience, Gavin has developed a comprehensive knowledge of New Zealand roads. As one of the two Mobile Lithotripsy Unit drivers, he is also responsible for deployment of the unit at each site, ensuring the onboard systems are able to support safe operating theatre practice.

Jim Wilson

Steerologist (aka Driver)

With extensive experience driving trucks and coaches on both sides of the Tasman, Jimmy joined the team in 2001. Since then he has supported Gavin in driving the Mobile Lithotripsy Unit around the country on its five-week circuit.

Doug Grant "Sausage"

Steerologist (aka Driver)

Doug has been a contract driver for Mobile Health since 2008. He started driving coaches for a New Zealand touring company in 1985 before moving to Australia for two years driving express service coaches interstate, and another two years in the United Kingdom on an OE. He also managed two coach operations in New Zealand – Clarks Coachlines and Pacific Tourways. From 2000 – 2005 Doug was self-employed working in a café in Hokitika with his wife Denise; in 2008 they bought Paper Plus Gore. Doug was a Gore district councillor from 2012 to 2022, and Justice of the Peace since 2018.

Support Team

Mark Eager

Chief Executive

Mark has been with Mobile Health since 2007, and comes from a nursing background. He manages the team at Mobile Medical Technology, as well as the relationship with the Manatu Hauora Ministry of Health. He is also the chair of the Primary Response in Medical Emergencies (PRIME) Board, and a Board member of Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network. 

mark@mobilehealth.co.nz

Dave Withell

Operations Manager

Dave has worked at Mobile Medical since 2000. He initially worked in the IT department, focussing on networking, hardware and video conferencing. He moved to a scheduling role for the Mobile Medical Technology (MMT) lithotripsy unit, where he also managed the maintenance of both the Mobile Lithotripsy Unit and Mobile Surgical Unit – Te Waka Hauora owned by Mobile Health. In recent times his focus has turned to manage the construction of the new lithotripsy unit that launched in June 2021. He is overseeing the design and construction of a second mobile surgical unit for Mobile Health.

Heather Nielsen

Anaesthetic Technician

Heather works for Mobile Medical Technology as an anaesthetic technician and is also our patient liaison co-ordinator. She comes to us with an extensive background in the medical field. She has been a registered anaesthetic technician since 1999 and holds an educational role as a national assessor for anaesthetic students through the Auckland University of technology.

Heather is responsible for conducting patient follow-up questionnaires for all patients treated on the lithotripsy unit. She also manages stock supplies and general office administration.

Pam Gove

Accounting Manager

As the accounting manager, Pam takes care of our payments and receipts and provides accounting information to the management and board. Originally from South Africa and having qualified as a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants in the UK, Pam worked for various National Health Board organisations in finance and in management prior to immigrating to New Zealand. She claims not to know ‘Suzie the waitress’.

Kate Hubbard

Scheduling Manager

Kate joined Mobile Medical Technology in July 2020 as the scheduling manager. Her responsibilities include managing the scheduling of the mobile lithotripsy unit, which involves booking site visits, co-ordinating staff travel, and liaising with specialists to schedule patient treatments.

As of May 2023, Kate has assumed responsibility for the People, Culture, and Sustainability aspect for Mobile Health.

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