Patient Participation Group

Our Patient Participation Group (PPG) meets to provide a forum for discussion about the practice.

Patient Participation Group Committee

Officers

Chairperson: Laura Toop

The Kingswood Surgery PPG is a vital forum for patients to share their ideas, feedback, and experiences, shaping the care and services provided at Kingswood Surgery. As Chairperson, I am honoured to support this collaborative effort, ensuring patients have a meaningful voice in the planning and development of healthcare services.

With over 25 years of experience in leadership and organisational transformation, and a personal journey of overcoming significant adversity, I bring a unique perspective to this role. Seven years ago, I became a patient at Kingswood Surgery during a time of profound change in my life. The care and compassion I received here played a pivotal role in my recovery, inspiring me to give back to the practice and the community it serves.

In addition to leading the PPG, I chair the Independent Advisory Group for Kent Police, where I advocate for safety, inclusivity, and community cohesion. These roles reflect my deep commitment to empowering others and fostering environments where people feel supported and valued.

Through the PPG, we can work together to ensure every patient at Kingswood Surgery feels heard, cared for, and has access to the best possible healthcare experience. I encourage you to get involved and make your voice heard.

Vice Chair: Yvonne Massie

My family became patients at Kingswood in 1975 when we came to Tunbridge Wells. After I had retired as a registered nurse I was delighted in 2007 to be asked to help with the introduction of the PPG. I have been part of the committee ever since, & for the past ten years have held the position of Vice Chair. The PPG, as the voice of the patient, supports & works with the surgery staff & I am proud to be part of the active group which is the Kingswood PPG.

Personally, I am married & was a nurse for 40 years latterly in ophthalmology & have a keen interest in end of life care. Two children, nine grandchildren, one with special needs, & two great grandchildren keep us busy. In any time left over, I enjoy quilting & practicing Tai Chi. 

Secretary: Vacant

Treasurer: Jamie Cheng

Our family has joined Kingswood Surgery since our arrival in Tunbridge Wells in 2023. As a young family with two children, it is unavoidable to seek medical support every now and then, especially for the boys. I could not be more appreciative to the team of Kingswood Surgery for the care and service they provided.

Prior to coming to the UK, I worked as a clinical psychologist in public hospitals in Hong Kong for 12 years. I was the chairman of the Division of Clinical Psychology, The Hong Kong Psychological Society, the largest professional body of clinical psychologists. I was also on an advisory group for mental health service development in Hong Kong. These experiences reminded me how challenging it is to be in the medical sector, balancing patients’ needs and maintaining professionalism.

I hope my background and my experience would benefit the PPG and support the development of Kingswood Surgery in the future.

Members

Elizabeth Malik

I taught in Primary schools in London and in Tunbridge Wells at Rusthall and Bishops Down. I also worked at Citizens Advice as an advisor and advocate on a Mental Health Project funded by the Hospital Trust and Social Services. This experience led me to become a director of a Mental Health charity in Southborough. I consider my main role on the committee is to gather information and useful contacts, particularly in the voluntary sector, hopefully enabling patients to access services fully.

Stephen Parris

My wife and I have been with Kingswood since 1972. We have always been happy with the quality of care from both doctors and nurses. In the past, I have put forward a couple of ideas, which have been well received. I do not believe in change for the sake of change; but do believe in making life easier for all concerned. I am very cost conscious and I do believe that Kingswood spends its budget well. The PPG has done much to improve the lives of patients and staff and I hope will continue to do so. My own experience on committees is wide, ranging from C of E church councils overseas to residents’ associations. My career in the Diplomatic Service presented many challenging situations involving people in very difficult situations, some of them tragic. I therefore have a good understanding of how tough life can be for the medical profession. In retirement, I was a volunteer with Hospital Radio for 10 years and met many patients in hospital, some of whom were just pleased to see a friendly face and have a few words about how they were feeling. For a number of years, I was a volunteer at Trinity Theatre. I am a great believer in self help to keep fit and well and encourage others to do likewise to benefit both their physical and mental welfare. I do a great deal of cross country walking and lead a couple of groups locally and occasionally further afield.

Pat Micklewright

I have been registered at Kingswood Surgery for over 20 years.  I am married with one son who lives in California with his wife and  our granddaughter. Also, I have two brothers - one lives in Australia and the other in Spain. So, I have travelled a fair bit. Indeed, when young I was at school abroad, as my father was in the RAF, but  on returning to the UK  I went to a Grammar School in Kent. I first went to work for Unilevers, in their market research department. At this time, market research was a growing industry and I was able to grow with it - eventually becoming a Director of Consumer Research Ltd and then Market Research Manager at the Joint Credit Card Company, when a consortium of banks launched the Access Credit Card to compete with Barclaycard.

Approaching my 40s I decided on a change of career, first training to be a nurse in the field of learning difficulties and then in psychiatry . I worked in private and NHS nursing, becoming a Nursing Sister. I am now enjoying a busy retirement, with varied interests and activities.

Jane Al Kailani

I have worked with a firm of architects, researching and sourcing of produces for various projects. I then became a carer for a family member for 10 years.
I moved down to Tunbridge Wells a number of years ago and became involved in various charities before becoming a volunteer at the Nuffield Hospital in Kingswood Road. I attended their cancer group monthly meetings as well as becoming involved with a walking group around Dunorlan Park which highlights the importance of exercise on a regular basis for both mind and body. This social activity also allows the opportunity for group members to ask questions about cancer treatments to a medic who accompanies the group. Having been a patient at Kingswood since coming to Tunbridge Wells, I feel my background helps to support my role as a PPG committee member.

Timothy Tempest

I have been a patient of Kingswood Surgery for nearly 40 years and together with my wife have benefitted greatly from the medical expertise provided by the team there.

Now retired, my career was spent in the hospitality industry, initially in luxury hotels and then subsequently within the licensed trade, with my last position running over 40 pubs in the City and West London for Fullers.

I continue to have links to pubs acting as an Adviser to ‘Pub is the Hub’ for the South East Region, with the aim of assisting rural pubs diversify by offering community services, shops, cafes, libraries and the like, beyond their usual remit.

I am also Chairman of Sherwood Men’s Shed in Tunbridge Wells. Started in 2015 we exist to help deal with the issue of social isolation and loneliness in older men as well as providing a step on the road to recovery for those recovering from mental health issues. In so doing we are able to provide a safe, inclusive and friendly environment in which “shedders” can learn new skills, share experiences and make new friends.

Finally, I am Chairman of my local Resident’s Association; an active Committee Member of Friends of the Grove and represent both of these organisations at the Town Forum.

• Ruth Ellis

Ann Long

I grew up in Northampton and moved to Kent 13 years ago. 2 years ago I moved to Tunbridge wells and became a patient at Kingswood Surgery. I have three adult children and three grandchildren, whom I love to spend time with.

For 25 years I owned and ran a hotel in Northampton. I currently volunteer at Charlie’s Angels café in Camden Road which is a not-for profit company using surplus food provided by local supermarkets. I have also been the chairperson for my children’s school PTA and more recently for my grandchildren’s school. I was also a Trustee for my grandchildren’s pre-school so have plenty of experience in a voluntary capacity including fundraising.

I enjoy reading, cooking, knitting and crochet. I have always been very impressed with the care and support I have received from Kingswood Surgery for which I am very grateful.

Trevor Hurrell

Although I am now divorced, my ex-wife and I moved to Tunbridge Wells in 1997, and have always felt extremely fortunate that a local friend suggested that we registered at Kingswood shortly after our arrival.
I retired [officially] in 2004, after a career mainly spent managing small/medium-sized Companies in the Beauty Industry in France, Italy and the USA – as well as the UK, to which I finally returned in 1991.

I quickly realised that retirement risked proving rather unrewarding/unfulfilling – and that I probably still had a contribution to make to the world around me. One role I found for myself was acting as a voluntary [pro bono] Career Development counsellor to young adults seeking to further develop their career, which has proved immensely enriching.

And as music had always been a very important part of my life, I was also able to make a contribution between 2009 and 2017 as General Secretary of The Royal Tunbridge Wells Choral Society
Although sailing had been the biggest “hobby” for most of my life I – alas – found some years ago that I’m no longer nimble enough to pursue it – and am content with occasional bigger [motor-boat] outings.

I have great admiration for the entire team at Kingswood, and hope very much that I’ll be able to find ways of contributing further to the success of the Practice.

Alan Jones

Chris Banwell

I have been with Kingswood for 10+ years. I am a father to 4 adult children and 7 grandchildren.

The majority of my career was in banking finance with 20+ years based in Asia. I recently retired from teaching at a local grammar school but retain contact through exam invigilation.

Maxine Maters

Why does the Patient Participation Group (PPG) raise funds?

At Kingswood Surgery we are very fortunate to be supported by an amazingly dedicated groups of individuals who make up the PPG.

Some might ask, why does the PPG raise funds?

Kingswood PPG raises funds for the provision and maintenance of medical and/or ancillary equipment (additional) which is not normally available from statutory funds received from NHS England, the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and/or the Primary Care Network (PCN).

Recent PPG funds raised have contributed to new equipment including; height and weight machine with printer, mobile screens, vinyl desk chairs for consultation rooms as per Infection, prevention and control guidelines and additional chairs in the waiting room. We are also very grateful to the PPG for the provision of the Health Corner at Kingswood which enables patients to take their own blood pressure, height and weight to support GPs and other staff to assess patients more quickly because vital information has already been added to patient notes. All funds raised by the PPG will only be spent on equipment to support the patients at Kingswood Surgery.

Kingswood Surgery receives donations via book sales, raffles and other organised events such as; sponsored events.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

If you have any further questions about why the PPG raise funds please ask to speak to me:

Louise Buck, Practice Manager.