Friends of Wistaria Surgery were inaugurated in January 2003 as an independent voluntary organisation whose purpose is to provide activities and raise funds for the benefit of patients and staff of the surgery.

The "Friends" support the Practice through fund raising, for equipment not otherwise available from the Local Primary Care Trust, facilitation of new resources and practical assistance such as help with annual 'flu' clinics.

Amongst the regular activities the 'Friends' organise are General Meetings, with speakers from the medical profession, monthly coffee mornings in the surgery's River Suite, local walks and fund raising events.

Future events are publicised on the 'Friends' notice board in the surgery's reception, in the newsletter and on this web site. All activities take place in the spirit of the watchwords 'fun, friendship and fundraising' and there is a real sense of  working in partnership with the surgery and its staff to promote the welfare of patients.

Membership application forms are available from the reception desk at the surgery or you can download a copy in PDF format. Applicants should reside in or near the catchment area of the surgery you do not need to be registered as patients at the surgery to be a 'Friend'.

Friends Befriending Service

Christine Jackson is now co-ordinating this service and the list of volunteers grows all the time. The initial feedback to the doctors about the service, has been extremely positive.

We have many more patients who would benefit from a befriender visiting occasionally. Please contact Christine on 01590 676 276 for more information.

Automatic Blood Pressure Machine donated to the surgery by the Friends enables patients to take their own blood pressure without bothering a doctor or nurse.

Many patients have already discovered they had higher readings than they should and as a consequence saw their doctor. Early detection can make a tremendous difference to the treatment of high blood pressure and may only mean slight changes to diet and lifestyle rather than taking drugs.

Why not pop into the surgery next time you are close by and use the machine, which is located in the waiting room on the left as you enter the surgery?   No need to make an appointment and it will be reassuring to know all is well and if not, your doctor or the Practice Nurse will be pleased to advise on the best way forward.

BEFRIENDERS URGENTLY REQUIRED

Unfortunately, the high demand for this fantastic service is fast outweighing our team of befrienders. The group that co-ordinate the service have had to introduce a waiting list, which is a great pity as the patients who would benefit from an occasional visit now have to wait.

It does show how much a befriending service is needed and how much good is done by such a simple visit, having a chat and perhaps a cup of tea. And that is all that is needed, a couple of visits a week and you have made someone's life so much more enjoyable. There are no particular skills involved, anyone can do it.

Friendships have already been formed by those who are already part of the befriending team who will tell you how much they enjoy their visits and both the befriender and the befriended get a great deal from the service.

If you have an hour or so a week to spare, please contact Christine Jackson on 01590 676 276 who will explain more about the service and how you can join the team of befrienders.

Naomi House Open day Visit

A coach load of Friends visited Naomi House and enjoyed a comprehensive tour of the hospice. The Play Room was very interesting with all its stimulation and sensory equipment for the children to enjoy. The Hydrotherapy pool provides exercise and enjoyment. Everyone was moved by the Butterfly Suite where parents and siblings can say their goodbyes when a child dies and can start the grieving process. Alongside is the Dovecote, an area of great tranquillity where their bereavement support team are available.
01962 843513.
For more information please visit their web site

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