Patients Group.

The group launched in 2018. It is made up of volunteers who review how services are delivered at The Firs and suggest ways that problems might be overcome and services improved. The members’ role is similar to that of school governors: they are “critical friends” of the practice. The group wants to be known simply as the Patients Group.

Members are expected to think about the wider patient interest, not just their own personal concerns when making decisions. The Patients Group is definitely not a complaints board.

There are four members of the group's executive committee:

Jean King - Chair

Neil Levis - Deputy Chair

Janet Ashley - Secretary

Andy Simons - Communications Officer

If you are interested in joining the Patients Group , email Janet Ashley, our secretary on jan.ann.ash@hotmail.co.uk

We need young people, workers, retirees, people with long-term conditions and people from all ethnic groups.

If you don't have email, you may fill out contact details here:

Complete the Patient Group Sign-up Form Online

Or alternatively fill out your details at the reception and drop it in our dedicated box.

Below are links to minutes of open meetings, details of our constitution, our action plan and our survey of patient's views.

How the Patient Group works.

Patient survey (summer 2018).

Launch meeting (March 2018).

First open meeting (May 2018).

Second open meeting (November 2018).

Our action plan (2018).

Practice Health Champions

Practice Health Champions are people who voluntarily give their time to work with the staff and patients of their local GP Practice. Their goal is to find new ways to improve the uptake of services offered by the practice and to help to meet the health needs of patients and the wider community. The Firs already has a number of trained volunteer Practice Health Champions who are looking forward to new people joining the team!

If you (or perhaps a friend or family member) have an interest in volunteering, are keen to obtain to new skills and experiences, and work with the Practice for the benefit of your community, then the opportunity could be for you. As well as finding out ways to encourage friends, family and community members to lead a healthier lifestyle, this is also a chance to meet new people, and make a real difference to improving the health and happiness of patients and the wider community.

The practice Champions has held their first meeting on Thursday 26^th April 2018. The group had a healthy discussion as to the contributions which could be made to the patients’ wellbeing by the Champions with particular members:

Radica De Cambra

Gayleaf Campbell-Palmer

Francesca Bailey

Neil Gerrard

Lon James

Sarah Rush

Winnie Sseruma

The Champions are running the following sessions in the practice:-

Yoga session every Thursday from 12.30 pm – 1.30 pm

Afternoon Tea every Wednesday from 12.30 pm – 1.30 pm

Gardening every Thursday from 12.30 pm – 1.30 pm