This group has been in existence for a good many years. At the beginning, its role was to raise money to help the practice pay for equipment which could not be funded by the NHS and which was of direct benefit to patients. In addition, it helped to equip the operating theatre attached to the practice - where now well over 2,000 operations have been performed which would previously have meant visits to the hospital. It also makes funds available for equipment to be loaned to patients in need.

In addition, it aims
* to give doctors and patients the opportunity to discuss topics of mutual interest in the practice,
* to provide an opportunity for patients to make positive suggestions about the future,
* to encourage further education.

In recent times, its role has grown in line with the Government's commitment to wider consultation among patients. All patients' views are important - even those who are well and it is for that reason that all the surgery's patients are automatically regarded as members of SOS.

SOS, together with the surgery, publishes a newsletter about three times a year and arranges open patient evenings to discuss specific medical topics with doctors.

Please take an interest - if you would like to raise any issues, problems or concerns or even to help, please get in touch with a committee member. The receptionists will help and committee members' names are listed on the SOS notice board in the waiting room.