Elizabeth Coulthard: Patron/Treasurer

In 2011, as I retired as Practice Executive Manager of Pulborough Medical Group, I received the great honour and privilege to be asked by the WSPMA to become their Patron so I could remain within the Association.  I had no hesitation in accepting this role as it meant I could continue to be part of such an inspiring group of people constantly working to support Practice Managers across West Sussex by delivering education and development needs, sharing best practice, networking and mentoring.  WSPMA regularly demonstrate they are innovating and influence policy and procedure for the good, not just locally but nationally and are to be applauded.

I am a founder committee member of the newer WSPMA that commenced in 2009 and prior to that I was a committee member of the previous PM group that was in existence from 2002-2007.  During those years I always held the role of treasurer and I continue in that position today to assist the Association with the many financial aspects that take place each year.

In the background I assist with the annual conference administration and enjoy pulling together the winter and summer editions of the WSPMA newsletter.

I worked in general practice for 35 years with many titles, PM, Business Manager, Fund Manager and latterly PEM but in reality, general dogsbody would have fitted well as a title on the CV.  I was passionate about my role and felt immensely proud to be recognised within the industry by receiving a prestigious award in 2010 in the Practice Manager of the Year Awards held in Birmingham.

Alongside my PM work, I joined Thornfields Training in 1998 as a trainer and facilitator travelling around the UK delivering their workshops and continued with them until 2017.  I have lost count of the number I have delivered over the years, but it always felt very rewarding to share knowledge.

I was monthly columnist for Practice Business Magazine – “From the PM Desk” for many years until I retired, again an opportunity to share and network with many across the country.

I like to be considered professional and approachable and I think I only survived all the highs and lows (always plenty of them being part of the NHS) by having good organisation skills whilst keeping positive and persevering.  The latter skills are very much need in today’s world.