A HASLEMERE GP joins a new clinical committee appointed by Surrey Primary Care Trust. Dr Philip Ridsdall Smith, GP at Haslemere Health Centre, is to join six other doctors giving advice to the PCT, making sure the county's future healthcare priorities are based on strong clinical recommendations. Dr Ridsdall Smith will lead the committee on unplanned care. Also on the New Professional Executive Committee are: Laura Finucane, consultant physiotherapist at East Surrey Hospital, leading on health improvement; Dr Rebecca Brown, GP at Weybridge Health Centre, leading on cancer; Dr Penny Gibson, consultant community paediatrician, leading on children and family services; Karen Thorburn, director of nursing, Surrey Community Health Services, leading on long-term conditions; Chris Coates, consultant orthopaedic surgeon at the Royal Surrey County Hospital, leading on planned care and Dr Jill Rasmussen, GP in Merstham, leading on mental health. The PCT's new committee is being chaired by Caterham GP, Dr Tony Clarke, who explained: "The aim of our executive committee is to make sure our future business is clinically focused.  "That may sound obvious, but PCTs often face many conflicting priorities and the presence of practising clinicians at the highest level helps make sure that patient care is kept at the forefront of our business at all times. "The breadth of experience our new members will be bringing into the PCT is very exciting.  "This includes a mix of community and hospital clinicians, bringing with them experience in mental health, paediatrics, general practice and other specialist services. This gives us great potential for the future and each member will act as a clinical champion for future health improvements." Dr Clarke went on to say: "As the second largest PCT in the country we have a challenging remit ahead of us. However, I believe the size of Surrey, coupled with the experience of our new members, gives us the scope to make a real difference for the local population."