A FARNHAM pensioner has succeeded in making a difference to the lives of GP patients who attend Farnham Hospital. The GP practices, which were previously based in Brightwells, transferred to hospital premises when the hospital opened in 2003. Earlier this month, 81-year-old Terry Telling took her disabled husband to the Hale Road hospital for an appointment with a nurse. "On arrival, I parked at the dropping off area and went to reception to ask for a porter and wheelchair," said Mrs Telling. "I was informed that although there were three porters standing there, they could not help me as my husband's appointment was with the doctors' surgery. I find it impossible to cope with getting my husband out of the car into a wheelchair and up the step from the drop off area. "I found this incredible as I thought the new Farnham Hospital was meant to be a community hospital." After sending a letter to Guildford and Waverley Primary Care Trust (PCT) Hotel Service Manager, and copies to MP Jeremy Hunt and The Farnham Herald, Mrs Telling received a prompt reply from Guildford and Waverley PCT. "We are very keen to ensure that all of the services that are provided within the hospital and centre for health are accessible," said the letter. "We are also sensitive to the difficulties that may be experienced by those who have a disability or may be wheelchair bound. As a result of your complaint, we have discussed these arrangements with the practice managers of the GP practices. "It has now been agreed that, when a porter is available, they will provide appropriate help to patients to enable them to access the hospital. This may take the form of providing assistance with pushing a wheelchair, or providing a wheelchair to a patient who has parked in one of the disabled bays." In response to this adjustment of policy, Mrs Telling was clearly delighted. "I'm glad things will be better in the future. I think I've managed to stir things up and make people see sense," she said.
