PPG Newsletter: June 2026

I am often surprised that, for a variety of reasons, patients may feel uneasy about attending an appointment at our surgery. This is often for very personal reasons and since I have recently been updated on areas where the practice is aiming to put patients at ease, I thought I would share some of this information in our newsletter.

Lambourn Surgery is committed to providing a safe and comfortable environment in which both patients and staff can feel confident that best practice is consistently upheld. If you wish for a Chaperone to be present during your examination, please do not hesitate to ask a member of the reception team or a clinician. A chaperone is available for any consultation, examination, or procedure if you would like one.

You can request a chaperone at any time. A chaperone is present to support, ensure your comfort and safeguard both the patient and the clinician, and to act as an impartial observer, ensuring that ongoing consent is maintained throughout the procedure.

It is recognised that patients may have cultural, religious, or gender preferences regarding who acts as their chaperone. If you let the surgery know your preferences, they will try their best to accommodate them.

The surgery team are keen to ensure that any patients who need Accessible Information are accommodated. Please let them know if you find it hard to read letters or if you need some communication support for your appointments. They can provide information using tools including Large print, Easy read, Hearing loop, British sign language, Braille, Email, Text message.

All disabled people have the right to Reasonable Adjustments. The surgery aims to to make it easy for disabled people to use health services. Reasonable adjustments are dependent on the person. Everyone has different needs.

Some examples might include:

• making sure there is good access for people who use a wheelchair in the Surgery;
• providing plain English or easy read appointment letters;
• offering a longer appointment if someone needs more time ensure they understand the information they are given;
• having a quiet space available for people waiting for their appointment;
• making sure there is a hearing loop system in the consultation room;
• using a communication chart to support a person with dementia during an appointment.

If you have requirements that are not shown above, please let any member of the surgery team know and they will discuss those needs with you and try to find a way to meet those needs, record those needs on your notes and, where appropriate and with your consent, share those needs with other NHS or social care providers.

There is further information on the surgery website or you can ask at reception or any PPG member.

Finally, the surgery is undergoing a study to identify young people under the age of 25 who have left the care system. This is a vulnerable group who often find themselves in the community with little or no support. They may not be aware that they are entitled to free prescriptions until they turn 25 and also extended length appointments. Often these young people are not registered with a GP practice and so are not aware of their entitlements. If you know of such youngsters please encourage them to register with a GP and once “in the system” they can be better supported.

Alan Breadmore, Chair, Lambourn Surgery PPG

Published: Jun 17, 2026