Friends of West Meads Surgery

Past events

A page for reports of past events:

Befrienders' group outing

At Stanstead Park Tea Rooms

Educational Talk on Diabetes: 9th June '10

In early June we were delighted to welcome Dr Ken Laji, Consultant Endocrinologist, to the surgery. He gave an excellent presentation to a large audience.

Dr Laji went into detail about the diabetes `epidemic’ and why this is happening globally. He showed data, commencing with life expectancy and how poorly controlled diabetes can affect this. He then explained about glucose levels in a normal person followed by defects in glucose metabolism.

We are all becoming aware that obesity and lack of exercise can increase the risks. There are 95 million known cases of diabetes which can cause heart attack & strokes, blindness, amputations and is the leading cause of dialysis. It costs the NHS over 5 billion per annum and 10% of hospital beds are taken up with these patients! Dr Laji went into the reasons why we have these problems and the various types also, he commented on child obesity being on the increase which is associated with type 2 diabetes. Losing weight, following a sensible diet combined with exercise can greatly reduce the risks. For those who develop diabetes, early intervention with appropriate treatment can have normal life expectancy outcomes.

At the end of the talk our speaker was kind enough to answer many questions and queries from the audience. This had proved to be another worthwhile evening for our patients and visitors.

Carers Support Service Talk: 27th April '10

At the end of April we had an informative presentation from the Carers Support Service.

Firstly, Kate Keays & Chris Smith the Carers Development workers told us about what each member of the team does & what is on offer from the CSS. Once a carer is registered they can access one to one & group support as well as phone support & a call back service.There is an abundance of information & advice available also, courses,workshops, talks & a counselling service if required.The CSS can arrange funding for short breaks & there are complementary therapies & pamper days on offer.

Debbie Pimenta the carers support worker in mental health explained her role & that of Sarah Robinson-senior support worker.The same services are on offer but specifically focuses on people caring for someone with a mental health problem. She also mentioned Pam Thomson who is the Learning Difficulties support worker & Louise Spong the Information worker.

At the end of the talk there was a question & answer session.

It is recognised that 1 in 10 people are carers, 42% are men & 58% are women. We hear now about there being a large number of youngsters taking on a caring role too. There can be a large impact on the family members therefore; the role the CSS play is very much appreciated.

They can be contacted on 01243 537011

Stroke Talk: 9th March '10

There was an excellent turn out when we were visited by Dr Ingrid Kane, who is a Consultant Physician at St Richards Hospital.
Firstly, she explained her background then of her particular interests in Geriatric medicine and Strokes.

Dr Kane went on to give a very interesting talk and power point presentation. She described the different types of stroke,their causes and symptons. We are all being made much more aware now with the much shown FAST adverts, so hopefully know what to do if one occurs.

There is a massive problem with 15 million strokes happening globally each year. A third of these patients die, another third are disabled and the remainder recover. It is becoming more common as people live longer and is a huge challenge, using 5% of all NHS resources. Also, it is recognised that it has a major impact on the family and carers.

At St Richards they deal with 350 cases a year. Dr Kane told us about trials they are running regarding the Stroke Thrombolysis treatment which is only suitable for certain patients.

Dr Kane kindly answered many questions from the audience where such items as medicines and their side effects were discussed also,TIA's, memory loss and much more, including the all important preventative measures.

This was a very informative and worthwhile evening.

CancerWise Talk: 23rd February '10

We were happy to welcome Director Dave Mallam, Manager Diane Towson and Amanda Nash, a volunteer at the Chichester based centre.

After giving us a brief history of CancerWise and other cancer services Dave explained what was on offer at Tavern House in Basin Road. They give support to patients and their carers during diagnosis, treatment and recovery.They offer discussions and talks,support groups and counselling,activities and complementary therapies also, nutritional advice including preventative measures.

There is a wealth of information on offer at the centre. They have books and magazines, CD's and tapes also, there is access to further information on line. So many people benefit from the wonderful services they provide in their very pleasant surroundings.

At the end of the presentation there was a lively question and answer session where all three speakers were able to answer queries from the audience. Afterwards we were given the opportunity to look at various books and take away leaflets and magazines. During this time we were able to chat informally to the speakers.

We all found this to be a very informative and worthwhile evening.

Annual Health Fair

Keeping fit and healthy was on the top of the agenda at an event held in Bognor Regis on Saturday morning.

The second Annual Health Fair held at West Meads Hall provided a taster of health promotion and fitness schemes which are readily available in the local community, alongside help and advice from a number of different agencies.

More than 30 different organisations took part in the successful morning among them West Meads Surgery practice doctors and nurses who offered free health screening. Others provided a raft of help from changing lifestyles and curing aches and pains to complimentary therapies.

Representatives from the Citizens Advice Bureau, prostate cancer and other cancer care charities, British Heart Foundation and mental health support also generously gave of their time.

For youngsters Bognor Regis fire fighters brought a fire engine along for children to explore and face painting, games and other entertainment kept up the momentum, along with a dance performance by the Pagham allstars Pom Pom Junior Dance Troupe.

Children who had entered a health-theme colouring and drawing competition were awarded with prizes for their efforts.
First prizes went to: Phoebe Smart, 6, Molly Bircham, 7, Hristina Kuzet and Taylor Barker, 8.
Commended were: Bradley Phillips, 5, Ben Sadler, 2, Karla Thompson, 5.
Winners of the children’s quiz were Charlie Mariner and Jacob Balchin.

Friends of West Meads patient group, provided refreshments, a raffle and several stalls and raised more than £150 towards purchasing equipment for the benefit of patients.

Quiz Night

reported by Lynne Kirkwood

FOWMS ran a successful quiz night on the 25 April 2009, when nine teams competed for the prize of £60. It was an enjoyable evening and the second time that the patient group have put on such an event. Food and drink was provided for participants and funds were also raised by a raffle.

The winning team 'Mad houses' kindly donated their prize to the fundraising total.

The next quiz is planned for the autumn and will be advertised in the surgery and on this website.

Eye talk

A talk on Eye problems in older people was held at West Meads Surgery on 14/04/09.
West Sussex Consultant Ophthalmologist Mr Masoud Teimory entertained and informed a packed house with a presentation on 3 of the most commonly encountered eye problems;

• Dry eyes
• Cataract
• Macular degeneration.

There was plenty of audience participation with a lot of interesting questions posed and answered. The general consensus was that it was a very worthwhile and educational evening which was very much enjoyed by those attending.

More talks are planned and we would be happy to receive suggestions.

Fund raising

Founded in May 2008, the Friends have raised a total of £3,292.66 through a variety of events which are set to continue throughout the year.

So popular and successful was last October’s Quiz night that there is the opportunity to do it all over again next month on Saturday 25 April at 7 for 7.30 pm at West Meads Hall, Bognor Regis. The cost is £8.00 per head including a glass of wine and supper and a cash prize of £60 is up for grabs to the winning team.

A number of free health talks will also taking place at the West Meads Surgery, among them a talk on eye problems, on the evening of Tuesday 14 April. 7 p.m.
Open to anyone in the community, the talk by consultant ophthalmologist Mr M Teimory, will include the symptoms and treatment of dry eyes, cataracts and macular degeneration.
Tickets available from West Meads Surgery.

A coffee morning is on the agenda for Saturday 16 May at West Meads Hall from 10 am to midday.
For tickets and more details of the forthcoming quiz phone Jane Castleton on 01243 827997.
For information on the eye care talk and coffee morning phone West Meads Surgery on 01243 837980.

Medical equipments

Just 10 months after it was formed, the Friends of West Meads Surgery (FOWMS) have raised more than £3,000 towards equipment for the good of its patients.

The latest purchase was of seven electronic finger tip Pulse Oximeters costing in excess of £1,000. They measure oxygen saturation levels in the blood and provides a rapid assessment of a patient's health.

Also proving useful is a piece of computer software called SpidaXpert which helps doctors in the diagnosis and treatment of Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD).

Health Fair Helps to launch Friends of West Meads Surgery Group

A health fair was held in West Meads Surgery on 10th May 2008 to help launch the new patient group. The doctors and nurses offered free health screening checks to those attending and patient group representative Sandra Stevenson and other patient volunteers organised fund raising activities.

Sue Carter submitted a report about the health fair and the inaugural meeting.
This can be read on the Bognor Observer: Friends Group for West Meads Surgery