As part of its ongoing policy of community health support, the Friends of Frome Hospital have presented a state-of-the art high frequency Doppler for use by the Frome Leg Club.
The Doppler is a specialist instrument used to measure blood flow and is particularly important for patients suffering from leg ulcers and wearing compression stockings. The condition can be extremely debilitating, particularly amongst the elderly.
The Leg Club was set up five years ago for patients suffering with leg ulcers, at the instigation of a group of nurses working for Frome Medical Practice. It has proved to be very successful. Since its inception, over 400 patients have registered and there is an attendance of 25 to 30 every week. Patients are treated by a group of dedicated nurses led by practice nurse, Vic Yerbury. The club is open to anyone with such health conditions every Wednesday morning at Frome Town Football Club, between 9am to 1pm.
Many patients may live on their own, and the members have formed a small enthusiastic management group, enabling patients to socialise over a cup of coffee with others who have similar problems.
The chairman of the Friends, Peter Smith said, “This is a fine example of what can be achieved by a community effort to provide an important service which cannot be adequately provided through the NHS. The club is an important part of the community model being championed by Frome Medical Practice and the Friends have been proud to support it since its inception in 2015.”
Dr Helen Kingston, senior partner of Frome Medical Practice said, “The practice is proud to be part of the community in Frome and to support a focus on wellbeing. The Leg Club demonstrates so well these values of care and companionship. It is a powerful example of what can be achieved when health and care work closely with the community “
