TADWORTH
and WALTON------------------------------------------------------Tadworth Medical Centre changes
There was a meeting, on Tuesday of last week, of the Patient Forum, when
those present were told that the Epsom Downs Integrated Care Services (EDICS)
had been placed into Administration last month. However, its referral services
are being catered for through other agencies.
GP practices and other primary medical services are now regulated by the
Care Quality Commission (CQC), with the Forum – in future known as the Patient
Participation Group (PPG) – playing a larger role in the Tadworth Medical
Centre, by way of being involved with a patient survey, the practice leaflet and
with the production of a quarterly newsletter.
There have been considerable improvements in the reception area, with a new
'information zone' in the porch. The new Website was thought to be excellent,
but it was pointed out that many patients did not have computers and were
therefore unable to avail themselves of this service. A service whereby it is
possible to book and cancel appointments, arrange for repeat prescriptions, as
well as it having other features.
A major criticism, aired by several of those present, concerned the subject
of appointments and the difficulty that many patients now have in making one.
Doctor Greenway said that although the number of registered patients has not
greatly increased over the past few years, the number of appointments being
sought has multiplied several times over. This is due to several factors; a
major one being the ageing population.
Three new Registrars have joined the practice and these additional doctors
will do much to address the problem. The Centre is also shortly to review the
system and may make changes which could include making it possible again to book
afternoon appointments, rather than doctors to deal solely with emergency
appointments. It was mentioned that the reception staff have been under much
pressure in recent months, after the last change in the appointment system, and
are to be complimented for dealing with the situation so efficiently and
pleasantly.
Another change is the provision of Influenza injections this year on
Saturday mornings. A glutton for punishment
It is learnt that the 64 year old vicar of the Good Shepherd Church,
Tadworth, the Revd. Mick Elfred, having just completed the marathon cycle ride
from Land's End to John O'Groats, has entered his name in the draw for a place
in the 'London-Surrey 100'. This is a hundred mile cycle event that will take
place on Sunday 10th August next year. The vicar understands that there have
already been over 50,000 applicants for a place in this ride, so he is not too
confident that he will be exchanging the pulpit for the saddle that day! Good support for TWOAT
In the Autumn newsletter of the Tadworth and Walton Overseas Aid Trust, the
Chairman, Mike Fox records that during the past year they have been generously
supported by a number of organisations, including various church groups and
Walton Primary School.
"We have also been the recipient of some generous bequests," he
writes,"although these occasions are tinged with sadness as a number of long
term Friends of TWOAT have passed away in the last 12 months. Among these was
Ron Webb who will be remembered for his regular cheerful presence behind the bar
at our events during his spell on our committee.
"We have also been enjoying success with another relatively new approach in
fund raising whereby supporters of TWOAT, celebrating a special occasion, tell
their family and friends that rather than a gift, they would be happy for them
to mark the occasion by making a donation to TWOAT. These monies can be used to
support one or more of our projects.
"Our traditional fund raising has also had an excellent year with good
results at Sing Carols in Christchurch, Walton-on-the-Hill; our Bottle Stall at
the Walton May Fayre; our two Sponsored Walks; the two occasions when we sold
teas in Keith and Elizabeth Lewis' garden, when they opened it as part of the
National Gardens' Scheme; our street collection and, in particular, our Auction
of Promises that raised over £4,000 due to the generosity of local businesses
and our supporters."
Full details of TWOAT's income and expenditure will be given at its Annual
Social Meeting on 19th October, at 7.15 pm, in St.John's Church Hall, The
Avenue, Tadworth. A grand quiz
A most enjoyable quiz evening, with a Sausage & Chip Supper for just £10 (under 16 -£5), will take place in the Church of the Good Shepherd's hall,
Station Approach, Tadworth, on Saturday evening 21st September, at 6.30 pm for a
7 pm start. There will be a raffle and prizes will be awarded.
Those attending are asked to bring their own choice of drink, but nibbles
will be provided. All profits will go to the Church Funds. "There will be tables
of 8, so bring your friends, or come on your own and make up a table," says Pam
Wood, who can be contacted for any further information on 01737 812715.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
↧