January 25 2015.


The new visual display in the reception area at Seaford Medical Centre is proving just the ticket for patients – thanks largely to the Rotary Club of Seaford. Although funding has also come from two other sources it was due to Rotary’s generous contribution that Sue Smith, the chair of the Patients Participation Group at the practice in Dane Road, Seaford, was finally able to complete the plan to install the simple but clever device.

Instead of standing in a queue for the reception desk, which has spilled outside the door on some occasions, you now just take a numbered ticket from the machine and then sit in a comfortable seat,watching for your number to come up on the illuminated display to tell you it is your turn to approach the desk.

The system clicked into action last Monday and has already proved popular in its first week. Many have likened it to waiting your turn for the meat and fish counter at the supermarket – only here you can sit while you wait.

Sue Smith said: “We are very grateful to Rotary for the funding. Our group is nothing to do with medical treatment, consultation or dispensing. We just aim to make it a better experience for the patients.”

Practice Manager, Phil Abbott said: “Already we’ve had many comments from patients saying how well it all works. I’m sure it will prove a great help for everybody."