About Us

The Practice lost its GP, who had served the community for 25 years, on retirement through ill health in 1992. He was replaced by two young doctors, Christopher McIntosh and Christopher Trounce who started to work from a pair of Portakabins on a piece of land adjacent to the Stokenham Parish Hall.

It was suggested that a Patient Support Group be started and a Public Meeting was held in the Parish Hall in July, which was attended by over 100 people. A committee was formed; Charity Status was applied for and granted in February 1993. The Group takes its name from Start Point, the second most southerly headland in the UK. 

The Objects of the Association

"shall be to relieve sickness and preserve health amongst the persons permanently or temporarily resident in the catchment area of Stokenham, Chillington and the surrounding area of the South Hams"

The catchment area comprises the Parishes of: Stokenham, Charleton, Strete, Slapton, Frogmore & Sherford, Chivelstone, East Portlemouth and South Pool.  A small number of patients live in Kingsbridge and East Allington. The total area is over 100 sq. km.

The primary aim was to raise funds to purchase medical equipment for use in the new Health Centre, which was to be built when a site could be found. A plot was found in Chillington, planning permission obtained and the Centre was formally opened in December 1995.

The partnership was increased when Dr. Alison Harvey joined the medical staff in 1997.  Dr. Ben Stubbs, who replaced Dr. Chris Trounce has recently left us and is to be replaced by Dr. Sue Crawford on July 2^nd. 2007.

The SCOF Trustees meet approximately once a month at the Health Centre when any patient members of the Practice may attend.  (For dates see “WHAT’S ON” on this web site.)

OUR SERVICES: THE PATIENT TRANSPORT SERVICE

WHAT IS IT?

This service is provided to convey patients to any medically associated appointments i.e. the Health Centre, Dentists, Opticians, Chiropodists etc.  The hospitals in Kingsbridge, Plymouth and Torbay are also included within this service.

HOW DO I BOOK A DRIVE?

Our coordinators work from an office in the Health Centre between 10.00am and 12 noon from Monday to Friday. Outside of those hours messages can be left on the answering machine and will be dealt with during the next working day. Just call with the details of your appointment and they will find a driver for you.  It is, however, important that you give as much notice as possible, ideally two working days.  If your need is urgent the coordinators will do their best to help but they cannot guarantee that a car will be available for you.   The number to call is 01548 581181.

WHAT DOES IT COST?

There is no set charge; we ask only for a donation.

CAN YOU HELP?

There is always a requirement for more volunteer drivers.  This is a vital service in our rural community and we rely heavily on our drivers to keep the Patient Transport Service going.  They give freely of their time but are able to claim mileage expenses.  This is a most rewarding activity and those who participate are only expected to do as much or as little as they choose.

If you feel that you would like to join us please ring 01548 581181 for more information.

FINANCIAL MATTERS

Fund raising is an important part of our Charity.  The proceeds raised, not only purchase medical equipment for the health centre, but also help pay for the maintenance of that equipment.  They also go towards subsidising the Patient Transport Service.

We are also the grateful recipients of personal donations and bequests as well as being in receipt of donations by regular contributors. If you feel that you would like to become a regular donor please ring our Treasurer, Les Cowley, on 01548 581264 or pick up our leaflet at the Health Centre which contains a form for either a single or regular donations.

Lesley Cowley

Secretary.  June 2007

OFFICERS

South Hams and West Devon Primary Care Trust http://www.shanwd-pct.nhs.uk/

 South Hams Council for Voluntary Services  http://www.southhamscvs.org.uk