Patient Participation Group Newsletter

Issue No.23 - Summer 2025

Staff Changes

We are delighted to offer a very warmwelcome to the following members of staff: Dr Sushma Gurung who joined us in July 2024; Dr Debbie Mason who joined us in May 2025; Chloe Mullen, Pharmacy Technician; and Sam Graveson, Medical Receptionist.

Appointment

To all the patients who attended their appointments - thank you!  If you are unable to attend our appointment with a GP or nurse please cancel as early as possible, as this will allow us to give your appointment to another patient who urgently needs it.

Repeat Prescriptions

You can easily order a repeat prescription using Anima or the NHSApp. Once approved by the surgery your prescription will be sent directly to your chosen Pharmacy or may be picked up from the surgery –whichever you prefer. Please allow three to five working days before collection.

Social Media

Keep up with us on social media. You can become a member of our Facebook group for latest information and updates. Or use our website to contact us via the webform, submit feedback, keep abreast of the latest NHS campaigns and find out more about who we are and what services are offered.

Surgery Closures

The surgery will be closed from 12.30pm for essential staff training on:

Tuesday 12th August

Wednesday 10th September

Tuesday 7th October

Upcoming Bank Holiday Closures: Monday 25th August.

Should you require urgent medical advice on these days, please call 111 for assistance.

 

Patient Information Point

The patient information point has arrived at the surgery and is located in the waiting room! It’s an interactive touchscreen information hub providing links to information about local travel and weather, relevant healthcare (including links to information about Lonsdale Medical Centre), as well as local community information. You can also share your feedback by clicking on the Friends and Family Test button, which links to a short questionnaire - it takes just seconds to complete.

Digital Kent

Do you need help to access and use technology with confidence? Digital Kent’s Support Hubs provide friendly, free assistance right in your community! Get the support you need, whether you’re a complete beginner, have a new device you don’t know how to set up, or need help with a new app. Digital Kent hold regular sessions at Sherwood and Southborough Libraries, every month for about two hours, with 30-minute appointment slots available to book online. See Digital Kent for information.

Flourish - Community Gardening Project

Flourish is a mental health support project based at Southwood Road Allotments in Rusthall. If you are feeling low or lonely, Flourish provide a calm and friendly space to develop your skills and learn more about
growing fruit and vegetables. You can take part in gardening activities or just come and have a chat and a cuppa. Attendance is free of charge and by appointment only.

Ask for a self-referral form at reception.  Alternatively, a GP or Mental Health Navigator can refer you. 

For further information email: flourish@crosswayscommunity.org.uk or visit their website: Flourish Gardening Project

Join the PPG

PPGs play an important role in promoting communication between patients and GP practices, leading to improved healthcare and patient satisfaction.

PPGs ensure that patient views are considered in the planning and delivery of services. By sharing their experiences and feedback, they help shape the way patient care is delivered.

The PPG wants to encourage a diverse range of patients to join: patients of different ages, backgrounds, and health needs. Being part of a PPG allows patients to work with their local community and the GP surgery. Members of a PPG are often the first to hear about changes within the practice and NHS, keeping them well informed. 

The Lonsdale Medical Centre PPG meet approximately every three months. We are looking to increase our membership. If in-person meetings are tricky, we also have a Virtual PPG group, who receive newsletters and help us by giving feedback through surveys. 

Ask at reception if you are interested in joining.