A SURGERY AGM heard how GPs are aiming to see patients for appointments ‘within two weeks’.

The recent Friends of Fordingbridge Surgery (FOFS) AGM heard feedback from doctors and voluntters during the gathering.

GP and Partner Dr Toby Wallis, told the meeting: “I am pleased to report that the Fordingbridge Surgery team is now aiming to see everyone for (non-urgent) appointments within two weeks.

“We think we are doing well, but of course we always strive to improve our services.”

The Friends of Fordingbridge Surgery was established as a registered charity in 2001, primarily to manage donations to the practice to improve the experience of patients.

Proceeds are used to fund equipment or to improve facilities in areas that may not be adequately met by NHS funding, including blood pressure equipment, ECG software, marquee hire for blood testing during the pandemic and a bereavement counselling service.

During the meeting, thanks were expressed by the FOFS team to former chair Ian Newman, who has supported the charity for many years and now retired from his duties.

At this year’s AGM, Rev Kate Wilson, was voted as the charity’s new chair.

“Fordingbridge Surgery is now seeing more people in person than before Covid,” she said. “We have received exceptional feedback from patients and the majority state that the service provided by the team cannot be faulted.”

Tributes were also paid at the meeting to Ann Biddlecombe, who recently passed away, for her considerable contribution to FOFS and the health service over many years. New treasurer, Beryl Wright, as well as four new committee members – Margaret Bellingham, Carol Ann Carmichael, Stephen Darke and John Whitmell – were also welcomed.

Key priorities highlighted during the meeting included post-Covid staffing and the working environment, improving call waiting times, as well as the importance of encouraging the use of online consultation and booking services to help free up the phone for those who really need it. Among other positives reported were the successful introduction of the online patient consultation system, as well as a new queuing system for the pharmacy.

For more details visit www.fordingbridgegps.co.uk/fofs.