Welcome from Your PPG
Your Patient Participation Group (PPG) is a team of volunteers, just like you, who work alongside Grayshott Surgery. Our job is simple: to make sure your voice is heard and that the surgery works as well as possible for everyone who uses it.
In this newsletter you'll find news that matters to you as a patient — changes that affect your care, equipment that's been bought for your benefit, and support that's available to you right now.
- Being kept informed — through this newsletter and regular updates
- Having your views heard — we run surveys so patients shape how the surgery works
- Better facilities — we raise funds for equipment the NHS doesn't provide
- A direct voice — we can help with non-medical questions so you don't have to navigate the system alone
- A surgery that works for you — we work alongside the team to improve your experience
What's Changing at the Surgery?
Here's a summary of the staff changes that may affect who you see when you book an appointment.
After 36 remarkable years looking after patients at Grayshott Surgery, Dr Lance Cavannagh, Senior Partner, retired in May. If you've been a patient here for any length of time, you'll know what an extraordinary contribution he has made to this community. We wish him a very happy and well-deserved retirement.
To ensure your care continues without disruption:
- Dr Asim Khan is joining the surgery to cover Dr Marianne Stoker's maternity leave. We wish Dr Stoker well and look forward to welcoming her back in April/May next year.
- Dr Elohor Ekrresa will join us for seven months as interim cover while a permanent replacement for Dr Cavannagh is found.
Making the Most of Your Appointment
Last year, 1,917 appointments were missed at Grayshott Surgery. That's the equivalent of 3 working months of clinical time that could have gone to other patients who were waiting and needed it.
New Equipment Bought for You
Thanks to the generosity of patients and donations to the PPG's charitable fund, we've recently been able to purchase 2 new electronic examination couches for the surgery, including a specialist gynaecology couch. These have been bought specifically to improve your comfort and dignity during examinations.
We continue to support the community by having provided and maintaining 2 defibrillators in Grayshott and Beacon Hill.
The NHS can't fund everything, but your PPG can — with your help.
Registered Charity No. 1193520
NHS Health Focus
Each issue we highlight a current NHS health awareness campaign.
Many common illnesses can be treated quickly and conveniently by your local pharmacy — without waiting for a GP appointment. Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals who can assess symptoms, recommend treatments, and supply some prescription medicines directly.
Conditions pharmacists can now treat under the NHS Pharmacy First scheme include earache, sore throat, sinusitis, urinary tract infections (in women), shingles, impetigo and infected insect bites — saving you time and keeping GP appointments free for more complex needs.
- No appointment needed — just walk in to your local pharmacy
- Your pharmacist can prescribe some treatments directly, free of charge if you are exempt from prescription charges
- If your condition needs a GP, your pharmacist will refer you
- Available at most local pharmacies including those in Grayshott, Haslemere and Beacon Hill
Stay Connected
The PPG exists for you. The more patients who get involved — even just by sharing their thoughts — the better we can represent everyone who uses the surgery.
- Email: grayshottppg@gmail.com
- Facebook: Grayshott Surgery PPG
- Telephone: 01428 604343 — leave a message with your contact details and someone from the PPG will get back to you.
- The next newsletter — if you have a topic you'd like us to cover, let us know
This newsletter is produced entirely by volunteers.
If you are using a screen reader or need this information in a different format, please contact us at grayshottppg@gmail.com or call 01428 604343.