Page 6 - link magazine

6 The Link Magazine • May 2002
German doctor applauds the NHS
COOPERS
The National Health Service may have its problems and the media
CHEMIST
and general public often like to point out its faults, and to compare it
WEST SWINDON CENTRE with other European countries, but the training of its doctors is
excellent says the new German partner in the Phoenix Surgery at
Fine fragrances, toiletries,
Toothill village centre.
ear piercing etc.
Dr Anke Lehmkuhl, 38,
APS, developing & printing
comes to Swindon after a
One free 35mm 24 exp film
year in Australia work-
with every 35mm roll ing both in city medical
developed on the premises centres and in the remote
Tel: 872033 outback on completion of
her general practice train-
Open 7 days a week ing in England.
Dr Lehmkuhl com-
Mon - Fri 9am - 8pm,
pleted her basic medical
Sat 9am - 6pm, Sun 10am - 3pm studies in Germany and
worked in hospitals near
Essen for several years.
But in 1995, with 10,000
PHOENIX SURGERY unemployed doctors in
Germany, the prospects
Dunwich Drive,Toothill Village Centre of becoming a GP were
not good. Having a good
ce*tera.G Swi,,dow knowledge of English
5ytj West cut ' and knowing the quality Dr Lehmkuhl with Dr Swinyard, left,
of training in Britain, she and Dr Robert Forrester
Dr Peter Swinyard applied to work here. The
first six month placement led to delivering care to the patient.
Dr Robert Forrester further positions in other fields of "There are funding issues involved,
medicine and she decided to stay but in Germany taxes are much
And new to the practice: and become a GP. higher to pay for medical care."
"The German system has a lot to Dr Lehmkuhl said she was im-
Dr Anke Lehmkuhl learn from Britain," said Dr pressed by Swindon and was
Lehmkuhl. "The training of doc- pleased to join the Phoenix prac-
New patients welcome • (01793) 600440 tors there is quite rigid and the tice because of the mixed age popu-
emphasis on theory means it lasts lation it serves. The practice has
longer and can become outdated; expanded considerably since it
the doctor only comes into contact started in a house in November
with patients quite late. Then get- 1995. A purpose built surgery at
ting a job is very uncertain, espe- the village centre opened in No-
cially if you are a woman. vember 1999 and last year the prac-
"Here junior doctors are given tice took over the Link Surgery
responsibility early on and the patient list following the sudden
training is very practical. There is death of Dr Rod Houseman.
excellent close supervision and you Practice founder Dr Peter
gain more experience by observ- Swinyard said his colleagues were
ing more senior practitioners and pleased that Dr Lehmkuhl was
by contact with patients. You have becoming a partner. "Anke is a
to work very hard in both coun- delightful addition to the partner-
tries, but learning to be a doctor in ship; she brings a new dimension
the UK is much more satisfying to the service we provide to our
because the system is geared to patients."

Computer coffee mornings
Fast Forward Training and Development at Shaw Village Centre are
launching a free two week Jubilee Club on Friday 21 and 28 June for
over 50s who want to find out more about computers and the internet.
We have a number of properties throughout "This is an excellent way of using technology to get in touch with
the Swindon area, providing accommodation family in far flung places, or research the family tree, check out holiday
destinations, or even find friendship over the internet," said Sandra
for a comfortable yet independent retirement. Williams, development coordinator. "There's no need to be afraid. Our
staff will explain everything you need to know and help you gain
Please call us for further details on
confidence in using computers, searching the internet and sending e-
01672 515622 mails. It's a good way of keeping up with the grandchildren as well."
The sessions are free, so are the tea and biscuits. But reserve a space
by calling 755520. Fast Forward is located at Lucena House, Shaw
James Butcher Village Centre.
Housing Association Coffee in Peatmoor
The Peatmoor community coffee morning for over 50s
next meets on Wednesday 8 May, 10am to 11.30am,
Providing accommodation throughout the central and south of England. at Peatmoor Community School, Roughmoor village centre.
A charity, incorporated as an Industrial and Provident Society No. 16602 R.
Drop in to meet neighbours, meet new friends and
find out what's going on in the area.