April Newsletter 2026

 

Welcome to our patient newsletter

This newsletter is here to keep you informed about what’s happening at the practice – from health tips and service updates, changes at the surgery or ways to get involved. 

This newsletter is designed to highlight matters of interest to our patients, including seasonal health advice, new services and opportunities to give feedback or join our patient participation group. We hope you find it useful and enjoy reading it!

 

What’s included in this edition

  • ReSPECT plans
  • Social prescribing opportunities: Chatty Café Scheme, Allotment group, Parkrun
  • National support – Dementia UK, Age UK, The Silver Line, Cinnamon Trust
  • Teaching and Training
  • Join the PPG
 

Recommended summary plan for emergency care and treatment (ReSPECT)

A ReSPECT form is personalised plan that records your wishes and clinical recommendations to guide healthcare professionals if you become seriously unwell and are unable to make decisions for yourself.

A ReSPECT plan may include:

  • What matters most to you and your priorities for care
  • Treatments that may or may not be appropriate in an emergency
  • Clinical recommendations agreed with a healthcare professional

A ReSPECT plan can be helpful for:

  • People with long-term health conditions
  • People who are frail or have complex medical needs
  • Anyone who wants to plan ahead for emergency care

Learn more about ReSPECT on the Resuscitation Council UK website

 

Social prescribing opportunities

Chatty café scheme

The UK’S leading non-profit social enterprise designed to tackle loneliness, they offer three services: 

  • Face-to-Face meetups held at ‘The Kitchen Table’ (Every Wednesday 12pm to 2pm) in Tunbridge Wells, which allow customers to come together and have a chat.
  • Online Chatty Café Sessions, which take place from 1pm to 1:30pm every Tuesday and are available to anyone over the age of 18
  • Telephone friendship service for anyone over the age of 18 who is experiencing loneliness and could benefit from a weekly chat on the phone.

Allotment group

Gardening group based at the Hilbert Rec Allotments to socialise and enjoy the benefits of nature and being outside. Any age and ability are welcome. Mondays 10am to 12:30pm

Parkrun

The surgery is registered as an official Parkrun practice. Make friends and feel part of your local community. Every Saturday morning, free and easy to sign up. 

Find your local Parkrun

 

National Support

Dementia UK

Offers one-to-on support and expert advice for people living with dementia.

Visit the Dementia UK website

Age UK

The Largest UK charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of their later life.

Visit the Age UK website

The Silver Line

Free, confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people. Open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Visit the Silver Line website

The Cinnamon Trust

Supporting older people and those with a terminal illness and their pets. Offering day to day, temporary and lifelong pet care. 

Visit the Cinnamon Trust website

 

Teaching and training

We are proud to be a teaching and training practice, helping to develop the next generation of doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals. We currently have three GP registrars and three GP students. Dr Myers-Lamptey and Dr Barrett are our named GP supervisors, responsible for supporting and overseeing the training of our future clinicians, with support from the entire practice team.

 

Join the PPG

Would you like to have a say in how the practice runs and help shape future services? Join our Patient Participation Group (PPG)!

The PPG is a group of patients who meet regularly with practice staff to share feedback, suggest improvements, and support patient involvement.

You don’t need any special experience, just an interest in helping your local surgery and being a voice for fellow patients.

If you would like to apply, please complete this form

Published: Apr 22, 2026