The S.S.P.G. would like to announce the purchase of a new E.C.G. machine for the use of Springfield Surgery. Following the purchase of the defibrillator 6 months ago, there were some funds remaining. Thanks to further generous donations, not least those raised by the Elstead Afternoon W.I. of just over £2000, it was decided at a recent meeting of the S.S.P.G. and the Surgery, that these monies would be well spent on a new E.C.G. machine as the existing equipment is outdated.

A few concerns have been expressed in the village regarding fund -raising for such equipment.  The donations are, of course, voluntary and confidential and this equipment is for the sole benefit of the Surgery's patients. The new model will have a facility for electronic transmission of E.C.G. data to the patient's medical record and also to the hospital for cardiological opinion if required. This will save unnecessary and expensive journeys to the hospital and help reduce waiting times, thereby enhancing patient care and convenience.

However, fund raising is not the main function of the S.S.P.G. The group was formed to provide a forum for greater patient involvement to assist the smooth running of the surgery. This is achieved in various ways including an annual Open Meeting for all patients with the Doctors, which may also include guest speakers on relevant health issues; collation and analysis of the annual surgery patient questionnaire on the surgery's performance; production of an information folder; and to give positive suggestions of how to improve surgery services.

If anyone feels they can help the S.S.P.G. with ideas or suggestions, please contact us, either by coming to our [few!] meetings or by talking to a group member. The names and telephone numbers of the S.S.P.G. members are displayed in the Surgery.

Go on - make a difference!

There is a budget available for young people aged 13-19, as well as practitioners working with this age group, to spend on projects which would benefit themselves and their community.

The Government want as many young people as possible to benefit from the Surrey Youth Opportunities Fund and Youth Capital Fund 2007/08.

Both funds must be allocated by March 2008 and the Government is determined that
this funding will help young people make a difference.

I ask anyone who fits into this category to think hard about facilities they would like to see in Elstead. For instance, an outdoor table tennis table, basketball equipment, more cricket nets, cycle paths, a sports/recreational facility you have seen in another village which you think would work well here. Or even just a bench to sit on.

This is your chance to let Surrey County Council and the Government know what you want - make a difference.

Further information about the funding can be found at: www.surreycc.gov.uk/takeparttakepower
or www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/youthmatters/youthfund

Please speak to any Councillor if you would like to talk it over - our contact details are in Elstead News , or come along to the next meeting on 3^rd December. You can ask questions at 8 pm and you don't have to stay afterwards!