Our team provides expert specialist advice and care for all varicose veins and artery conditions.

Meet our team members below, read more on varicose veins or get in touch if you have any questions.

Richard Evans Vascular adheres to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and endeavours to work in partnership with iwi, Māori and Pacific peoples in developing its service.

CONTACT US

Dr Richard Evans

VASCULAR, ENDOVASCULAR & TRANSPLANT SURGEON MBCHB (Otago), FRACS (Vascular) FRACS (General Surgery), DDU (Vascular)

Richard specialises in varicose veins and artery conditions, which include aneurysms, arterial blockages.

With over 25 years of surgical experience, Richard has a private practice as well as working for Te Whatu Ora.

He holds a Diploma in Diagnostic Ultrasound (Vascular), a qualification allowing independent vascular ultrasound scanning and reporting.

In his spare time, Richard loves spending time in the great outdoors.

Melissa Chan

PRACTICE MANAGER & REGISTERED NURSE

As Practice Manager, Melissa has overall responsibility for ensuring the smooth running of the practice, including leading and managing our team of nurses and administrators, as well as overseeing all business functions.

“I especially enjoy working in the small team at REV where a high patient focus and their satisfaction is important.”

Melissa is a registered nurse having gained experience in operating theatres across many specialties, including coordinating the acute out-of-hours service at Wellington Hospital and as vascular theatre charge nurse.

Outside of work Melissa enjoys family time, outdoor activity and baking.

Kendall Brookes

Pelvic Veins Nurse

Kendall, a registered nurse who qualified from Massey University, joined us in June 2021. She spent her early nursing working in cardiothoracic and vascular specialities in Christchurch Hospital. Kendall assists in varicose vein procedures lists and clinics, pelvic varicose veins, as well as compression stocking fittings. Outside of work She enjoys spending time with family and friends, baking and playing sport.

“I enjoy working with the professional, experienced team at REV who provide a high-quality service. I am passionate about helping patients and achieving the best outcomes for them.”

Justine Gilligan

Registered Nurse

Justine comes to us from a varied surgical career in cardiac and vascular, interventional radiology and now oncology. Justine first worked for Richard Evans Vascular in our Wellington clinics and we’re delighted to have her on board again in our new Hastings clinic.

Justine moved to Hawke’s Bay from Wellington and is enjoying the balmy climate, her walks up Te Mata peak and her local gym classes. When not doing all that she’s seeing friends and family, travelling or holidaying with her kids.

Clare Odell

VASCULAR ACCESS NURSE SPECIALIST (BSC/BN)

Clare’s 20-year career ranges from perioperative nursing, acute pain and community vaccination. She is the Vascular Access & IV-related therapies Clinical Nurse Specialist at Wellington Hospital.

At REV, Clare inserts Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs) for patients receiving treatment at the Bowen Cancer Centre.

In her spare time, you’ll find Clare working as a movie stunt/body double or enjoying the outdoors with her family.

Ashleigh Robinson

Registered nurse

Ashleigh, one of our registered nurses, graduated from Massey University in 2016. From there her nursing took her to the general surgical and vascular wards and also the intensive care unit at Wellington Hospital. Ashleigh is now a senior nurse at Richard Evans Vascular, which means she works closely with the surgeon assisting in varicose vein treatments.

Ashleigh likes to spend any spare time with family and friends. A keen swimmer, you’ll often find Ashleigh doing lengths in the local pool.

Ranie Liua’ana

BUSINESS COORDINATOR

As the ‘face’ of Richard Evans Vascular, Ranie is most likely the first person our patients come into contact with. From a background in a radiology practice, Ranie knows the ins and outs of insurance claims and the importance of swift responses to patient enquiries. As our business coordinator Ranie helps keep things running smoothly every day.

“What I most enjoy about working at REV is the people and everyone’s caring approach for each other and our patients.”

Outside of work Ranie enjoys being with family and friends and getting outside for a walk.

Rebecca Clowes

Ultrasound Coordinator

Before Richard Evans Vascular Rebecca (Becky) was working on reception at one of REV’s Wellington clinic locations – Wakefield Specialist Centre. That experience, combined with a BSc in Anatomy, means Becky is well placed to be working in a medical environment as our Ultrasound Coordinator. In fact, Becky is studying Sonography part-time so will gain valuable workplace skills. Outside of work and study, you might find her and her flatties out for a walk up Mount Vic, takeaway coffees in hand, or parked up at a café in the city.

Darshna Govind

Specialist Vascular Sonographer

Darshna trained as a Specialist Vascular Sonographer at Dunedin Hospital completing the DMUvasc. She has over 10 years of specialist vascular experience working in various hospitals in New Zealand and the United Kingdom as a clinical vascular scientist. Arriving back in New Zealand in 2021 Darshna has gone back to ‘school’ to continue her ultrasound education working towards a general ultrasound qualification to broaden her scope.

When not behind an ultrasound monitor, you’ll find Darshna in the outdoors, running, playing hockey and spending time with friends and family.

Sarah Owen

SONOGRAPHER

Sarah trained first as a radiographer in Manchester UK. Once in New Zealand, and with a Kiwi husband, Sarah worked at North Shore and Wellington hospitals and then Pacific Radiology. She qualified as a sonographer in 2014 performing general, vascular, obstetric and musculoskeletal ultrasounds.

Sarah splits her time between REV and Te Whatu Ora.

“Patient care is very important to me and one of my strengths. I enjoy a job that enables me to help people and provide a high quality of work.”

In her spare time Sarah likes to walk and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Wellington and around New Zealand.

Sheree Tufuga

SONOGRAPHER

Sheree has over 20 years’ experience in the health care sector with her career beginning in emergency medicine in 1997. Sheree moved into medical imaging receiving her BAppSci (MIT) in 2008. She qualified with a DMU (Diploma of Ultrasonography) in 2015 with a special interest in vascular ultrasound.

Palmerston North based, she also performs ultrasounds for REV at the Kapiti Day Hospital and Five Rivers Medical in Greytown.

“I like the small team environment at REV and the independence I have scanning for Richard Evans. We’re a very mobile team.”

Martine Taylor

Financial administrator

Martine is our financial administrator. With a background in book-keeping and administration Martine has a wealth of experience, particularly when it comes to payroll and managing the day-to-day finances of a small business.

Martine loves spending time with the family and taking her dog on long hikes.

Mandy Bassett

marketing & communications

Mandy handles all things marketing communications. Out of uni her career began at Rawleigh’s in Wellington. From there were stints overseas and lastly Telecom (Spark) where she was production/brand manager, before becoming self-employed trading as mandswork.

When not at her laptop at home, Mandy is at the gym, walking her rescue farm dog or with friends for coffee.

Schedule your consultation & start your treatment journey today.