Registered Charity No. 1053830

The Patients’ Group started in 1990 with a donation of £50, and has developed over nearly two decades. As a registered charity, the Patients’ Group raises funds and receives donations, to purchase medical equipment and services for the Surgery and its patients. Purchases are however only made where funding is not available through normal NHS channels.

By the end of 2007, the total value of purchases made since inception has exceeded £96,000. A full list of purchases can be viewed by clicking the link below.

 Lime Tree Surgery Patients’ Group has a managing committee which meets six or more times each year. A public Annual General Meeting takes place each May, to which all are welcome. The AGM usually includes a talk by the Doctors or other health professionals on topical issues relevant to local health provision.

 As a registered charity, the Patients’ Group ensures that all donations, and purchases, benefit from available tax allowances. We can accept Gift Aid donations, and most of our medical purchases can be made free from VAT.

 The Patients’ Group is a member of the National Association for Patient Participation, and of the Worthing Council for Voluntary Services. We are a founder member of the Worthing Area Patients’ Group Forum, to share ideas and best practice with other local patient groups. For example we have given talks on charitable status, Gift Aid and VAT, to other newly formed groups in the area.