Region overview
The South West Thames area covers a geographically relatively small area, but within this is a diverse range of environments, from south west London to the Sussex coastline.
Within the M25, South West London is covered by St George’s Hospital, Kingston Hospital, St Helier Hospital, Croydon University Hospital and Epsom. Ashford and St Peter’s Trust bridges the area between the M25 and Surrey.
In Surrey we have Frimley Park, Royal Surrey (Guildford) and East Surrey (Redhill) Hospitals. The population of Surrey is approximately 1.2 million. Finally at the West Sussex coast we have Worthing and St Richard’s (Chichester).
We are interested in shared collaborative leadership across the BGS, and have previously held meetings with our neighbours in South East Thames region.
There is a strong focus on learning and research, with links to St George’s Medical School, Brighton and Sussex Medical School and Imperial University.
Meet South West Thames BGS members
- BGS members can join our members directory allowing them to connect with other healthcare professionals in their region.
- The forum is free to access for all health professionals with a BGS web account. You can access it via the BGS app.
Use the forum to discuss older people's healthcare by theme (e.g. dementia) or topic (e.g. workforce). The forum also allows you to ask questions, or help provide answers to other professionals. It is a forum where health professionals can ask seek help, offer support to others or share their successes. Find out more on the forum information page.
Get involved
There are multiple ways to get involved with your BGS region.
- Submit content for your h [dot] blackman [at] bgs [dot] org [dot] uk (subject: E-bulletin) (regional e-bulletin). Every month, the BGS sends a tailored e-bulletin to each of its 14 England Regions promoting local initiatives, research and learning opportunities, prizes and grants and members' work. Help us spread the word about the good work in your region by sharing content recommendations with us.
- Write a blog or a newsletter article to promote the work and initiatives of your region. Contact ourpr [at] bgs [dot] org [dot] uk ( PR Manager for Blogs )and our editor [at] bgs [dot] org [dot] uk (Editor for the Newsletter) to find out more.
- Help organise a meeting. By joining an organising committee, you will have the chance to influence the topics covered at future meetings and help create the best programme to enable colleagues to improve the delivery of high-quality healthcare to older people. lucyjane [dot] abbott [at] nhs [dot] net (Contact your local secretary) or email registrations [at] bgs [dot] org [dot] uk to express your interest in helping to organise a future region meeting.
- Medical students are invited to volunteer at a regional meeting. Duties at the meeting can involve supervision of the auditorium, welcoming delegates and supporting speakers presentation. Volunteers receive free attendance to the meeting.
South West Thames is a diverse region with enthusiastic members committed to improving the lives of older people. We would love to hear from you about what fantastic things you have been doing around the region, and get involved in shaping the regions future and promoting positive change for older people. We are looking for members for our committee posts, and also for any content for our e-bulletin. Please get in touch!
External Resources
The MDTea podcast is produced in the South West Thames region. Set up by the Dr Iain Wilkinson and Dr Jo Preston, providing resources for health and social care professionals working with older people. We’d recommend you have a listen!
http://thehearingaidpodcasts.org.uk/
@MDTea_podcast
