North Bristol NASS - Branch AGM

1. Welcome - Steve Pascoe (Chairman)

• Steve welcomed the 18 attendees, including Chris of the Physiotherapy Department, and thanked them for their attendance.
• Apologies were received from, amongst others, Ali James, Keith Blundell, Rachel Lewis, Dorothy Beard, Adrian Chandler, Brian Strickland, Mark and Helen Blackmore.

2. Membership report - Phil Street (Secretary)

• Phil reported that the membership base remained fairly static and that attendance at the weekly meetings has remained similar to the previous year. Weekly attendance now varying between 10 and 18 attendees. This has meant that the finances have remained more stable, with a small weekly loss.
• The physiotherapy staff were commended for their flexible approach in catering for the needs of the attendees.
• The content of gym sessions being stretch related with some cardio-vascular work was confirmed.
• Very few new members have joined the group and we particularly look forward to the transferees from the, now closed, BRI branch, continuing to attend.
• Branch session "donations" are to remain at suggested levels of £4.00 for gym and be £4.00 for hydrotherapy. All first "introductory" sessions will continue to be free.
• Phil confirmed that he is to take a break from the dual responsibilities of national representation and branch secretary. The role of the complementary AS organisation CASP was mentioned (details can be found on www.thecasp.net ).
• The secretary’s role was discussed and it was agreed that, with Phil taking a break, the split role with assistant secretaries would remain.
• Southmead redevelopment - members were again thanked for their whole-hearted representations and advised that provision of existing services should continue to be substantially provided from the Southmead site.
• Phil is still working with NASS on the lobbying campaign for the case for anti-TNF drugs, and is also working with ARMA helping championing the provision of rheumatology services, and with CASP (Coalition of AS Patients).
• Phil was once again thanked by the group for the amount of effort, often unseen, that he puts into ensuring the success of the group and thanked for the major representative role within and on behalf of the group.

3. Treasurer's report - Lesley Ounsworth

• As reported above operating losses have been seen with the year-end closing balance being £3,392.40 (plus float £280) with special mention being made of a donation from Phil's nephew.
• The WATSU training for physiotherapy staff authorised last year was successfully completed and members are benefiting from the service provided.

4. Fundraising and social activities - Phil Street

• No significant activities this year.

5. Address by Chris Cowley - Rheumatology Physiotherapy Department

• Chris thanked all the members and committee for their continuing commitment to the success of the group.
• The Southmead unit continues to grow in stature with 500 patients and is acknowledged as a national leader in its field.
• The meeting was advised that the physio staff remained very motivated and are pleased that the WATSU (water relaxation) sessions have now resumed.
• The Rheumatology Physio Dept. continues its regular patient review and recall system. However, in recent times the number of new AS patients has still continued to fall with those on recall showing improvements. Representations continue to be made to educate local GPs
• Members were advised that patients should continue to contact the help line 0117 959 5993 for initial advice/help and, if appropriate, onward referral to specialist and consultancy services. The aim of the department is to respond to each call with an initial consultation with a department member within 48 hours of receipt of a call.

  [This is a 24 hour answer phone system, often personally answered during the day - otherwise please leave a message WITH your contact number.]

• The new hospital, financed by PFI is due to be constructed by 2012, and continuation of the service on the site has been confirmed.

The meeting commended Rachel, Simon, Simon, Chris, Ali and all the physiotherapy department staff for their commitment and dedicated efforts in helping the group and its members.

6. Election of officers; Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, Asst Secretary

• The following were elected :
  • Chair - Steve Pascoe
  • General Secretary - Nick Boyce
  • Financial Secretary - Dave Jeffery (plus others co-opted as required)
  • Treasurer - Leslie Ounsworth

  Phil offered to continue to provide support and advice and will remain as a contact on the Bristol NASS website.

7. Any other business

• Attendees were reminded that individual NASS membership (£12 p.a. / £1 per month for employed people - £3 p.a. for unwaged) is required to cover insurance when attending the weekly group exercise meetings. Additional benefits include a twice-yearly magazine that covers all aspects of AS including up-to-date advances in treatment. Forms available from the committee.
• Motion - proposed by Sam and endorsed by the meeting :

  "that this AGM instructs the board of trustees to adopt The Code of Governance for the Voluntary and Community Sector as recommended by the Charities Commission and to bring forward any rule amendments required to meet the code at the next general meeting with a recommendation of adoption."

  The code is based on seven key principles that have been designed to apply to any charity :

  • Board leadership
  • The Board in control
  • The high performance Board
  • Board review and renewal
  • Board delegation
  • Board and trustee integrity
  • Board openness

• Annual Physio Awards :
  • Physio of the Year - Chris Cowley
  • Highly Commended Physio - Simon Gale
• Special Award :
  • To Phil Street for an outstanding contribution during his tenure as Secretary.

  The meeting closed at 8:15 p.m.

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  For further information please contact the Branch Secretary, Nick Boyce.

  Email: nick@bristolnass.co.uk