After many years sterling service to the Parish, Julia O’Connor-Beach has given notice to resign as Parish Footpaths Warden. We’re very grateful to Julia for her work but now seek a new volunteer to replace her.

The role is essential to the Parish for without it there is a risk that footpaths and Rights of Way might become overgrown and impassible. It can take as much or as little time as you determine necessary and could be operated as a supervisory role with a handful of folk adopting particular areas or a hand-on (or boots-on!) role involving the walking and reporting on the Parish as a whole.

The Footpaths Warden might

…
As a voluntary role it can be a fulfilling way to offer service to the Community in which one lives, as well as perhaps extending one’s knowledge of the local landscape. Anyone interested in taking on this work should contact the Clerk in the first instance.

URGENT INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS

The Government are proposing changes in the New Pharmacy White Paper that if implemented will mean that the surgery will no longer be able to dispense medicines to patients who live more than a mile away from the surgery. All dispensing patients would therefore have to get their prescriptions from a chemist and local delivery services would also cease.

Ceasing of dispensing services will have two main effects:

Firstly, if you are a dispensing patient, you will no longer be able to have your prescriptions dispensed after you see your doctor and all repeat prescriptions will have to be obtained from a Chemist.

Secondly, for all patients, as there would be a loss of income for the partnership, this would have significant effects on the services the surgery would be able to provide. About 50% of income from dispensing goes to fund provision of general medical services. As a result, if dispensing ceases, then there will be a reduction in the number of clinics provided. Some doctors, nurses, all dispensers and some admin staff will lose their jobs.

If you do not agree with the Government’s plan to cease doctors from dispensing, then could we suggest that you write to your local MP:-

Steve Webb MP
Poole Court
Poole Court Drive
Yate
Bristol
BS37 5PP

-or-

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown
Unit 1143
Regent Court
Gloucester Business Park
Hucclecote
GL3 4AD

The Dispensing Doctor Association is co-ordinating the fight against this change and has asked that we forward copies of any letters sent to MPs and their reply. The Reception staff will happily copy your letters and replies if you could hand them in.

Dr W J Burrows & Partners
The Chipping Surgery

(the comments herein do not necessarily reflect the position of the Parish Council)