Puddletown PPG recently celebrated the purchase of a blood pressure machine for their GP surgery following support from practice patients, Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club and Dorchester Lions Club. The machine will be used by both patients and staff to monitor their blood pressure levels, providing early indication of any additional support needed.
The idea for a blood pressure machine came following a discussion between the PPG and the practice on ways that patients could proactively help themselves. They agreed that by having a blood pressure machine in the waiting area, people could be encouraged to take their blood pressure whenever visiting the practice and enable more people to know their blood pressure numbers.
Richard Burden, Chairman of Puddletown PPG said “One of our PPG members saw an opportunity to raise money towards the blood pressure machine by selling raffle tickets for our local Rotary Club at our annual flu vaccination event. The Practice supported the idea and the whole PPG rallied round to help out. Patients really got behind the idea too and we raised over £2,600 from ticket sales and donations, which was more than enough to purchase the machine we wanted.
We told our local Lions Ccub about the initiative and they were more than happy to help by donating an adjustable chair to be used for the blood pressure machine. I am amazed by the support shown by so many people to help get the blood pressure machine at Puddletown surgery, it shows real community spirit”
Each year Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club works with local charities and community groups to help sell tickets for their Christmas draw and 100% of the ticket sales are given back to the groups, along with a share of ticket sales generated directly by the Rotary Club, which this year was an additional 10%. All costs and prizes for the draw are made from sponsorship and donations.
Clare Stickland, Practice Manager at Puddletown Surgery said “Everyone at the Surgery is really excited to have a blood pressure machine in our waiting area. Along with giving people more time to discuss medical issues in their appointments, we can now encourage anyone visiting our surgery to get their blood pressure tested, which will give people peace of mind and allow us the opportunity of picking up abnormal readings early.
We are planning wellbeing sessions in the near future where patients can get their blood pressure checked along with looking at different aspects of their health and lifestyle to help improve their wellbeing. We cannot thank the PPG, Rotary Club and Lions Club enough for their generosity.”
Patient Participation Groups are run by volunteers and work alongside practice teams within GP surgeries. As well as providing feedback to practices on services and helping get information to the wider patient population, PPGs work on projects that bring health and wellbeing benefits to their fellow patients.
For more information please contact communication@nhsdorset.nhs.uk
