Liza with Sylvia at the GP Open Meeting
My introduction to the GP Partnership Tool was in 2016. Sylvia spoke at gathering held at Croydon Voluntary Action on this work in which she was engaged, explaining its use, hoping it would benefit people at their medical appointments, distributed draft and asked for feedback.
Some 18 months later Sylvia had printed revised copies with our comments included. Luckily tool was accepted for funding in 2019. I accompanied Sylvia to Proactive & Preventative Board meeting in November as a Patient Representative where I heard glowing remarks on Sylvia’s tenacity and perseverance with her project. Luckily again the tool met with the panel’s approval. I also attended the GP Open Meeting, helping to register doctors’ interests and distribute the booklets.
As my husband’s primary Carer, I accompany him to appointments. Alzheimers and hearing loss figure among his ailments. The tool enables me to note down his symptoms, as and when they surfaced and their duration; so at the appointment the GP/ Clinician gets the full picture. I feel empowered to request simple explanations of the terminology used, and note it down for my husband to read.
Since engaging with a Care agency for his care and companionship, I have sorted out my own health problems with the aid of tools.
I also attended the official launch, encouraging a friend to be part of the drama skit, another to help in the kitchen and serving refreshments. We had an enjoyable time dancing, eating pancakes with delicious topping and doing the pancake race. The drama skit demonstrates the tool very well and highlights the experiences some of us have had.
We have a strong network of friends that will help to promote the tool as well as gather feedback on its use when the pandemic is over. We all thank One Croydon Alliance for making this new experience possible.
Submitted by Liza Castellino, a Welderlies Volunteer.
