Friends of Worthing Medical Group

 

We are proud to have a close relationship with our Friends Of WMG (previously known as the Patient Supporters Group) which was founded in 1995 to raise money to purchase equipment for the surgery that was not otherwise funded by the NHS. The group are patients and practice staff who volunteer to meet at regular intervals to discuss ways of making a positive contribution to the services and facilities offered by the Practice.

We are pleased to introduce our Friends Of WMG email forum which will enable us to continue our fund raising and gather important feedback on services provided. This forum will be proactive in holding events to raise funds for both clinical and other equipment, such as BP machines, nebulisers, waiting room chairs and patient check-in screens.

New members are welcome, so if you would like to be involved:

There are no entry fees and no obligation to participate in anything but we would really appreciate your help to keep up the good work.  In these times of tightening belts and changes within the NHS your opinions and help is needed more than ever.

Friends Of WMG can look forward to:

  • a 6 monthly newsletter
  • quarterly meetings 
  • regular opportunities to provide your feedback on important Surgery decisions
  • the chance to take part in organising open evenings, events and virtual raffles as well as other fundraising fun
  • email forum discussions to contribute your ideas

Members can choose which level of participation they would like to be involved in, volunteering only for those activities they have an interest in.

Group member Arthur Nicholls says:

“The Patients Supporters’ Group was launched 22 years ago with the intention of raising money to help the surgery purchase equipment that would be beneficial to patients but which could not be funded by the NHS. A few years later a monthly talk was introduced, not only for the Surgery staff to update patients on Surgery matters and subjects of local interest. Since inception, over £120,000 has been raised for this good cause and I have been pleased to have been its treasurer for the past 13 years. I have a strong belief in the concept to advance the patient’s point of view on proposed surgery changes.”

Group Champion Dr Abu Daia says:

“I qualified as GP in 2012 and have been working for WMG since 2014. I enjoy being a GP much more than being a hospital doctor as I love the relationship that builds between the patients and their doctor in General Practice. I find patients can be more open with their GP regarding a lot of things they wouldn’t say to their hospital doctors.  I’m excited to be part of the Friends Of Worthing Medical Group forum so that we can work together as a team to help our community, deliver the best possible care to the population we are serving and improve lives. I look forward to our meetings and getting to know the participants, as well as welcoming new members to the group.”

Friends Of WMG Newsletter: September 2025

Staff News

We are delighted to introduce three wonderful new doctors who have recently joined our practice.

Dr Craig Milne

Dr Milne is a highly experienced GP with many years of practice under his belt. Craig previously worked as a partner in a busy practice in Brighton before making the move to Worthing.

In addition to his work as a General Practitioner, he is also a specialist GP with the Sussex Gender Service.

When not at the practice, Craig enjoys all things creative and outdoors. He loves going to the theatre, listening to music, and taking his dog for long walks. You might even spot him on stage, as he is an active member of a local amateur dramatics group.

Dr Samantha Barker

Dr Barker has been a practicing GP since 2009. Before her career as a general practitioner, she studied anaesthetics, she also has a special interest in women's health and is qualified to fit coils and implants for patients.

Outside of her work, she loves to travel, enjoys salsa dancing, and spending time with her family.

Dr Duncan Wells

Dr Wells is a highly experienced doctor, having worked in medicine for almost 30 years. For two decades, he was a GP Partner in Mid Sussex, and we are thrilled to have him bring his expertise to our practice. He enjoys all aspects of primary care, with a particular interest in diabetes, cardiology, dermatology, and the health care of the elderly.

Outside of the surgery, he keeps busy with a variety of hobbies. He enjoys traveling and staying active with a game of squash—though he admits he doesn't play very well! He is also currently learning to fly, which he jokes is his way of making up for a missed calling in Top Gun

We are thrilled to report that all three doctors are already making a positive impact and settling in well. They have all received a warm welcome from our patients, and we are excited for the contributions they will continue to make to our Practice.

Your NHS 111 Service

NHS 111 is here to make it easier and quicker for patients to get the right advice or treatment they need, be that for their physical or mental health.

This is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To get help from NHS 111, you can:

  • Go online to 111.nhs.uk
  • Call 111 for free from a landline or mobile phone.

Did you know...

....that NHS 111 is more than just a phone number?

While many people know they can call 111 for urgent medical advice, you can also use their online service, which offers a symptom checker for those over the age of 5 years. This website provides a quick and easy way to get an assessment for your symptoms and be directed to the right care, right from your computer or phone. It’s perfect for anyone aged five and over who needs advice but doesn't feel like calling.

…NHS 111 can help with more than just an illness?

The service can also help you with a range of other urgent health issues.

This includes advice for:

  • Dental problems,
  • Mental health support
  • Emergency supply of your regular medication
…that using NHS 111 could help you avoid a long wait?

If the service determines that you need to go to an Urgent Treatment Centre or even A&E, they can sometimes book you a timed arrival slot.

This means you may spend less time waiting and get seen more quickly, ensuring you get the care you need without the unnecessary delay.

Flu and covid season is here

Get ready for your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations! We're pleased to announce that our vaccination clinics are now open for booking. This years program has some changes to who is eligible and when, so please read on for all the details. We've simplified the process to make it as smooth as possible for you.

How to book your vaccination

We will be sending out invitations to eligible patients starting Wednesday August 27 2025. Once you receive your invitation, you can book an appointment. We have two main types of appointments:

  • Flu only
  • Flu and COVID-19

Please ensure you book the correct type of appointment for your eligibility.

We are holding a large vaccination clinic at Shelley on Wednesday 8th October 2025. We will also be visiting care homes on 23 October 2025, and will be in touch with housebound patients separately to arrange a home visit.

Flu eligibility

From 1 September 2025, onwards:

  • Pregnant women
  • All children aged 2 or 3 on August 31, 2025
  • Primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6)
  • Secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
  • All children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years

Covid eligibility

From October 1, 2025, onwards:

  • All patients aged 18 to 64 in a clinical risk group (like those with diabetes, chronic heart disease, or a weakened immune system)
  • All patients aged 65 and over
  • Frontline health and social care workers
  • Close contacts of immunosuppressed individuals
  • Carers in receipt of carer's allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
  • Residents in long-stay care homes 

Frequently asked questions

How do I book my appointment?

Once you receive your invitation, you can book your appointment with us. Please be aware that there are two different types of appointments: one for the flu vaccine only, and one for both flu and COVID-19. It's important to book the correct one based on your eligibility.

Where and when are the clinics?

We have several clinics and arrangements planned:

  • A large vaccination clinic will be held at Shelley on Wednesday 8 October 2025.
  • We will be visiting care homes on 23 October 2025.
  • Housebound patients will be contacted separately to arrange a home visit during the week and on weekends.
I have an egg allergy. Can I still get the flu vaccine?

Yes! The good news is that the flu vaccine we are using this year is cell-based, which means it is suitable for patients
with an egg allergy.

I'm still not sure if I'm eligible or I have another question. What should I do?

If you have any further questions about your eligibility or the vaccines, please don't hesitate to contact us. We'll be
happy to help.

 

 

If you would like a copy of our older newsletters please send us a message using our secure online form

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