AT the last meeting held on Monday, November 13, chairman Erica Adams introduced Ian Wheeler of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service who spoke to members about fire safety.

He was particularly keen to emphasise that if members of the audience had vulnerable neighbours the Fire Service was quite willing to go out and do a free property survey and advise on fire precautions.

His talk included lots of useful advice, including: switching off appliances at night; keeping doors closed at night or when the premises are empty; electric blankets and other devices should be checked annually; always have a phone near at hand, especially in the bedroom, in case of emergency; always sweep chimneys once a year; be careful with candles, especially at Christmas; clean tumble dryers filters after each use.

Ian stressed that by following a few simple precautions, fire risks can be cut significantly. It was agreed that the PPG could distribute leaflets the Fire Service produces.

Erica thanked Ian for his interesting talk and hoped all members would take a serious note of his recommendations.

Erica introduced Michael Carrington, assistant commissioning manager, Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group, and Nick Marison, commissioning manager, Somerset County Council. They came to advise the PPG about a community car scheme. Other schemes were being successfully operated in other areas of Somerset and the PPG was keen to get a scheme going in Wellington. This would benefit patients with no other means of transport, including public buses, unable to get to the surgery. It was agreed that a working group be set up to explore the technical aspects of such a scheme. Erica thanked Michael and Nick for their input and advice.

John Cutting raised the matter of dementia awareness and the importance of making sure that loved ones were adequately protected. This task usually relied on caring relatives or friends to make sure sufferers’ affairs were in order and organising Powers of Attorney where appropriate. He emphasised once again that in modern, technologically-orientated society, day-to-day living requirements such as internet and phone access to banks, utilities etc, all required passwords, pin numbers and so on. He hoped members would take note and take appropriate action where necessary.