The fair, which raised £326.49 for the surgery, led to the inaugural meeting of the Friends of West Meads Surgery.

Led by surgery patient Sandra Stevenson, it was attended by nearly 30 people. They formed a steering group to develop the the group. Also present was the practice's senior partner, Dr Nick Rowse, and partner Dr Lynne Kirkwood.

They spoke about the benefits of forming a group and how it could help to improve health within the community.

Dr Kirkwood said: "It is a benefit to patients and the practice and maximises the communication between staff and patients."

She spoke about the lack of grants for special equipment at the surgery and highlighted the need to raise funds for items useful to patients but which were not readily available.

High on the wishlist at the 7,000-patient practice were two electric examination couches costing some £800 each to help disabled patients, she stated.

Preventative medicine, health education for asthma, diabetes, breast cancer and first aid among other subjects were highlighted as areas that could be covered after the success of the fair's free health checks taken by more than 50 people.


What do you think? Click here to send a letter or leave a comment below.

Click here to go back to Chichester news
Click here to go back to Bognor Regis news
Click here to go back to Midhurst and Petworth news

To tell us where in the world you are reading this story click on the link below to add yourself to our readers' map.

MAP