.jpg)
It can be difficult to reconcile the desire for innovation and clinical scale with the deeply human aspects of general practice. For many clinicians, joining a larger organisation often raises the same question: can the values of personal care and connection survive, or even thrive, within a growing network?
The following testimonials from two of our General Practitioners, Dr Paula Taylor and Dr Siobhan Trevallyan, offer an honest look at what that balance actually looks like at Tend. Their experiences highlight how technology and scale can serve, rather than compromise, the essential work of delivering accessible, high-quality patient care.
"I joined Tend in June 2025 as a GP and Group Clinical Director for the Bay of Plenty, and I know that joining a large organisation can feel like a step into the unknown. So I want to share honestly
what it is really like to be part of this team.
Yes, Tend is a large organisation. But it is an organisation that genuinely lives by its purpose. Tend was founded with a vision to transform healthcare for current and future generations, and that shows up every day in two ways: a real commitment to equitable, accessible care for patients, and an equally real commitment to looking after the people who deliver it. Tend understands that a sustainable business is built by caring for the teams within it, and you feel that.
Tend is an innovator, using technology to improve the experience of both patients and clinicians. It is also a collaborator. Your opinion is wanted and your voice is heard, from frontline teams through to the executive. Everyone, from the CEO to contractors, is expected to live up to our values, our Tendencies, and they do. I remember my first visit to the head office, when I met our Co-CEO, Cecilia Robinson. She was polishing the office windows and vacuuming the floor, simply part of the team. That humility has stayed with me.
People here are valued for what they bring, and contributions are openly celebrated across the whole company. There is a genuine sense of fairness. I have worked in small GP owned practices and in large corporations, and Tend is the first place I have found where scale and values truly sit together. Not everything always goes to plan, and Tend is not afraid to acknowledge that and change direction when needed. That honesty matters.
I can also speak personally. Since my cancer diagnosis, Tend has looked after me with flexibility, generosity and real care. It is one thing to read an organisation's values on a website; it is another to feel them when life gets hard. There is collaboration across Tend clinics nationwide, and despite our size it feels like a family rather than a corporate organisation. I am proud of being part of this team."
Dr Paula Taylor General Practitioner & Clinical Director - Bay of Plenty
"I have been working with Tend as both an in-clinic and online General Practitioner since 2024, and it has been one of the most rewarding professional experiences of my career.
One of the greatest strengths of working with Tend is the flexibility it offers. The ability to combine in-person and virtual consultations, alongside flexible working hours, allows me to provide high-quality care while maintaining a sustainable work-life balance. This flexibility benefits not only clinicians but also patients, improving access to healthcare in ways that are increasingly important in modern general practice.
What stands out most about Tend is its unwavering focus on patient care, access, and clinical outcomes. Decisions are consistently guided by what will deliver the best experience and health outcomes for patients.
The organisation has invested heavily in digital tools that genuinely enhance clinical practice, streamlining workflows, supporting continuity of care, and enabling clinicians to spend more time focused on patients rather than administrative tasks.
The breadth and depth of the clinical network is another significant advantage. Working alongside a large and diverse group of clinicians creates a remarkable hive of knowledge, experience, and support. Whether discussing complex cases, sharing insights, or learning from colleagues across the country, there is a strong sense of collaboration and collective expertise.
During my time with Tend, I have been impressed by the organisation’s commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. Tend has evolved significantly, but change is never implemented for its own sake. New initiatives are thoughtful, reflective, and deeply embedded within a robust clinical quality framework. This creates confidence that innovation is being pursued responsibly, with patient safety and quality care remaining at the forefront.
Tend is an organisation that values its clinicians, embraces innovation, and remains steadfastly committed to delivering accessible, high-quality healthcare. I am proud to be part of its journey."
Dr Siobhan Trevallyan Lead for Tend Kingsland and Tend Symonds St - Auckland
