Pulham Surgery Support Group

The Pulham Surgery Support Group (PSSG) was established in 1994 with the intention of developing a local initiative to mobilise support for patients within the community. A public meeting was held on 19th July and volunteers quickly started coming forward. They were prepared to offer help in a variety of different ways.

Initially, a Steering Committee shared the responsibility for decisions made. Members had to be flexible and willing to change - constantly needing to consider new ideas and more effective ways of managing the group. With growing numbers, good communication and a consistent approach became vital.

A plan of action was developed with the help of experienced professionals who were able to advise and offer encouragement. This included the designing and printing of handouts and posters for public display and their distribution throughout the Church Hill Surgery catchment area. Training sessions were held for the steering committee, and later for volunteers, in order to define aims and objectives, boundaries of care, insurance and financial requirements. The PSSG has always been self funded, supported by grants and donations.

The area covered by the group includes approximately 14 villages that are now served by Dr Leftley, Dr Wisdom and Dr Hartley Booth, the Primary Health Care Team, and the Southern Norfolk Primary Care Trust. The extended team encompasses a variety of health professionals, including Practice Sisters, District Nurses, Health Visitors, Midwives, Psychiatric Nurses, Physiotherapists, Dieticians, Occupational Therapists, and Chiropodists.

By 1995, it was felt that the scheme should be promoting a closer working relationship between health services, social services and voluntary services. Advice was obtained from the Health Promotion Unit, the Voluntary Services Co-ordinator, Age Concern and Social Services who all supported the initiative.

In July 1996, a formal committee was elected, and a constitution agreed. The election of subsequent committee members takes place at the Annual General Meetings in July.

An information pack has been produced to assist volunteers and users of the group. A leaflet is available to inform patients of the group’s activities and a PSSG notice board at the surgery displays posters. Regular updates are included in the parish magazines and a PSSG newsletter is produced three times a year.

The group currently has approximately about 30 registered volunteers. Activities include:
• Monthly meetings focusing on health issues, social events and fund raising.
• A Carers Project to identify and provide information and support for Carers and those who depend on them.
• The promotion of Patient Participation Groups throughout Norfolk and beyond.

For more information, contact: Lorna Pyke, (Practice Sister)
Church Hill Surgery, Station Road, Pulham Market, Diss. IP21 4TX (01379 676227)