Welcome to the PPG Meeting Summary Page
Due to the confidentiality of some of the items discussed it is not appropriate to share the minutes of the meetings, but we feel that it is important for people to know what is going on and how we are trying to represent the patients of the practice.
As a result we will be publishing a summary of each meeting we hold.
You can find these summaries below. Please feel free to use the contact us button above should you have any questions.
Minutes from last meeting: Minutes from the meeting on 15th February were agreed upon and signed.
Issues arising:
Update on current Surgery status: The PM gave an update on the current status.
Patient Communications:
Newsletter: Items to be included in the next issue:
Podcasts:
Communications received:
Feedback from VCSE Forum – 6th March 2024
Gaynor (Approach Dementia Support) was at the Forum and mentioned the Group that we assist with at Whitehill. Every voluntary organisation represented at the Forum is struggling to get volunteers.
PPG Bank Account status:
No change
Any other business:
Next meetings:
The next 2 meetings are scheduled for:
Minutes from last meeting: Minutes from the meeting on 18th January were agreed upon and signed.
Issues arising:
Update on current Surgery status: The PM gave an update on the current status.
Patient Communications:
Newsletter: Suggested Items for inclusion:
Podcasts:
Communications received:
Feedback from PCN PPG Meeting and AGM – 8th February 2024: The Chair gave the reports.
AGM: The AGM was a formal meeting. All officers were re-elected. All 5 Practices within the PCN were represented. The minutes of this meeting had been forwarded to PPG members by the Chair prior to the meeting.
PCN PPG: The Chair sent minutes out to PPG members prior to our meeting.
The PCN becomes a Limited Company from 1st April 2024.
31st May to 5th June is PPG Awareness Week. It was suggested that we put a display in the waiting room and possibly have some PPG members on hand to give details of what the PPG does. Hopefully, this would encourage more people to join. The next PCN PPG meeting will be held on 25th April.
PPG Bank Account status: No change
Any other business: None
Next meetings: The next 2 meetings are scheduled for:
Minutes of the last meeting: The minutes of the PPG meeting held on 23rd November were agreed and signed.
Issues arising:
Update on current Surgery status: the Practice Manager gave the update.
Family & Friends survey results: Results of the Family & Friends survey during 2023 were:
It was agreed that these were excellent results.
Patient Communications
Newsletter: Items to be included in the next issue: -
Podcast:
Communications received:
PPG bank Account status: £100 credit received from NAPP for the Corkill Award prize.
Any Other Business:
Next Meeting:
Thursday 18th January 2024 at 11.00 am
Minutes of the last meeting: The minutes of the PPG meeting held on 19th October were agreed and signed.
Issues arising:
INTO – Walking and Cycling information update: Guests Vicky and Charlotte from INTO gave the meeting an update. INTO is an active Travel scheme run by Staffordshire County Council based in Newcastle. They provide group walking or cycling sessions which are open to everyone with a Newcastle postcode. One-to-one sessions are available for some postcode areas, however, this is not available for Kidsgrove postcodes.
The aim is to encourage people to get active whilst exploring the outdoors. Hopefully, people will eventually make shorter journeys on foot or cycle. There are many group sessions organised throughout the week.
Update on current Surgery status: the Practice Manager gave the update.
Surgery continues to be very busy and is now fully staffed.
Nurse appointments have been changed to 10 minutes duration, with some procedures having 20-minute appointments. This has increased the number of Nurse appointments. The surgery is now focusing on the number of patients who attend appointments rather than the number of DNA’s.
Christmas Parties – Isolated Patients and Dementia Session:
COVID/Flu Vaccination sessions: The Practice Manager advised that no further sessions are currently planned.
PCN/PPG Feedback: The Chair gave a report on PCN/PPG meeting held on Wednesday 22nd November.
Patient Communications:
Newsletter: Items to be included
Podcast:
Communications received:
PPG Bank Account Status: No charge
Any Other Business:
Next Meeting:
Thursday 18th January 2024 at 11.00 am
Minutes of Last Meeting:
The Minutes of the meeting held on 21st September were signed with one amendment regarding the PPG’s involvement in Dementia Research.
Issues Arising: Coeliac prescriptions – see
Any Other Business.
Update on Surgery Status:
The September Friends & Family feedback responses received were as follows: -
Further checks on the poor and very poor responses showed that some contained incorrect information. There were no trends identified, or corrective actions identified.
The screen in the waiting room is no longer working and the practice is waiting for it to be replaced.
Christmas Party:
A Christmas party for socially isolated patients has been arranged for Wednesday 13th December at Whitehill Methodist Community Church from 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm. The maximum number of attendees is 30, to date the surgery has 10 patients definitely interested in attending. Dove Bank Primary School choir have agreed to come. Volunteers will be needed on the day. Social Prescriber to contact Aspire to see if their minibus is available to assist with the transport of patients. A staff member is arranging a visit from Santa. Enquiries were made about the Ukelele Band from Church and we are waiting to hear from them. A PPG member has volunteered to make table decorations. We will need donations for gifts from Santa (30 in total) – A box for donations will be available at the Surgery. The chair has approached Matthew Wright (Tesco) for cake/mince pie donations and will also contact Aldi and Lidl. Other PPG members to contact Coop at Whitehill. The chair will forward a generic letter for PPG members to use when requesting donations.
Covid/Flu Vaccination Sessions:
There will be 1 further vaccination session that has been arranged for Wednesday 25th October. The times of the session are to be confirmed.
Feedback from PCN/PPG Meeting:
The chair gave feedback from the last PCN/PPG Meeting:
Patient Communications:
Newsletter: Items to be included in the next issue:
Podcasts:
Communications Received: None
PPG Bank Account Status: No change
Any Other Business:
Dates of Next Meetings:
The next PPG meetings are scheduled for Thursday 23rd November at 11.30 am and Thursday 18th January at 11.30 am. The venue for both meetings is the Surgery.
Minutes from last meeting:
Minutes of the meeting held on 17th August were agreed upon and signed.
Issues Arising:
Update on Surgery Status:
There have been staff shortages in the Reception team due to sickness.
Texts are sent out to patients asking them to book appointments containing a link to book their appointments. The text advises that the link expires in 7 days. Reception receiving numerous calls from patients where the link has expired.
The targets for Pharmacy Referrals are not being met as some patients are not happy to see a pharmacist rather than a GP.
Memory Loss Matters update:
Numbers have picked up again during September. Patients and Carers who attend are enjoying the session. The chair has had no replies from his e-mails to Radio Stoke/Blue Sky Radio asking them to promote the sessions. Social Prescribers asked to push the group again with patients.
COVID/Flu Vaccination Sessions:
More sessions are planned for October (awaiting confirmation of vaccine deliveries). There was some confusion during the session yesterday as to which treatment room patients were being called to as screen shows Vaccinator 1,2,3,4 as well as the treatment room number. The chair suggested that Vaccinator be shown as Vaccinator A,B,C,D as less confusing. The PM agreed to change the screen message if possible. Yesterday 127 flu vaccines were administered in addition to COVID vaccinations.
Patient communications:
Newsletter: Items to be included on next Newsletter:
Podcast Episodes:
Communications received:
PPG Bank Account status:
no change
A.O.B:
Equipment that patients may benefit from
Further suggestions:
Dates of next Meetings:
Thursday 19th October at 11.30 am at the Surgery
Thursday 23rd November at 11.30 am at the Surgery
Minutes of the last meeting:
The minutes of the last meeting were agreed and signed.
Issues arising:
Update on current Surgery status:
Covid and flu vaccinations are to commence in October for patients aged 65+, immunosuppressed, Care home residents and staff. Hoping to run clinics on 3 Wednesdays in October. The surgery advised that PPG volunteers would be needed.
The GPs have asked for ideas from PPG members that may benefit patients (seating and Flooring in the waiting area in hand). Any Suggestions to be given to the chair.
Memory Loss Matters:
Numbers attending the group fluctuate and have dropped during August. It was suggested that the Social Prescribers could push this again to try and increase the numbers attending. The chair has sent e-mails to Radio Stoke and Blue Sky Radio asking them to advertise the group. Also, he has sent details of the group to Rotary so that they can promote is at their Alzheimer’s Café.
Due to staff absence, nothing further has happened regarding the previously suggested survey.
Patient communications:
Newsletter: Suggestions for inclusion in next issue:
Podcasts:
Communications received:
E mails received from Support Staffordshire – next meeting of local VCSE group (Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise) will be on 13th September at Whitmore. The chair agreed to send details to PPG members when they are available.
PPG Bank Account status:
No change
AOB:
Dates of future meetings:
Thursday 21st September at 11.30 am
Thursday 23rd November at 11.30 am
Minutes from last meeting:
Minutes from the meeting held on 29th June were agreed and signed.
Issues arising:
Update on current Surgery status:
The surgery continues to be busy. 2 new reception staff have now been appointed.
Memory Loss Matters update:
Numbers fluctuate week to week but those who attend enjoy the sessions. More volunteers for the kitchen would be helpful. The chair has spoken to Approach about the suggested questionnaire, They are happy to do this but due to staff sickness, this is still pending.
Patient communications:
Newsletter: suggested items for next issue:
Podcasts: Suggestions for future recordings:
PPG Bank Account status: No change
PCN PPG Meeting feedback:
The chair gave feedback from the last PCN PPG meeting held on 5th July:
A.O.B
Complaints: The PM advised that the Practice had received 7 official complaints last year compared to 9 the previous year.
Wellbeing Framework: The chair had previously forwarded a document to PPG members detailing the steps to be taken to improve staff wellbeing as part of the Quality and Frameworks Outcome for 2023/24. The PM advised that a staff survey has been completed to ascertain staff wellbeing. Staff events are being organised, a wellbeing area is being introduced and a suggestion box is being installed for staff to use.
Dates of future meetings:
Thursday 17th August at 11.30 am
Thursday 21st September at 11.30 am
Thursday 19th October at 11.30 am
Minutes from last meeting:
Minutes from meeting held on 18th May were agreed and signed.
Matters arising:
Update on current Surgery Status:
The Surgery continues to be very busy.
Memory Loss Matters Update:
Patient communications:
Newsletter:
Items to be included in the next issue:
Podcast:
Suggestions for future podcasts:
Communications received:
PPG Bank Account Status:
No change
A.O.B:
Next Meetings:
Dates for future meetings were agreed:
• Thursday 20th July at 11.30 am
• Thursday 17th August at 11.30 am
• Thursday 21st September at 11.30 am
• Thursday 17th October at 11.30 am
Guest Speaker:
We recently agreed to become a member of Support Staffordshire (SS) and the Chair invited Jamie Wells to this meeting to speak on the work they do. Support Staffordshire currently has 75 employees and is a Charity supporting volunteers and non-profitable volunteer community groups throughout Staffordshire. They are responsible for Health Watch provision and provide the majority of Social Prescribers in the county, but not currently Newcastle under Lyme. They have set up a Community Reference Panel in Kidsgrove and are currently putting together a diary of events and organisations in the Kidsgrove area. All SS support is provided free of charge. All member groups must be constituted and non-profitable.
Matters Arising:
As the Dementia Support Group meets now on Thursday afternoons, the Chair has e-mailed PPG members to find out when is the best time for future meetings. One member would be unable to attend meetings on Thursday mornings during the summer. The Chair agreed to advise members of future meeting dates and times. The Chair has contacted Pink Sisters and asked if they would like to record a podcast, and is awaiting a reply.
Update on current Surgery status:
The appointment system has had to be amended as new Government rules state that patients should not have to wait for more than 2 weeks for an issue to be actioned. Only blocks of 2 weeks appointments are now on the system instead of 4, as if a patient chose to book a follow-up appointment in 4 weeks time the data would indicate that their appointment has taken 4 weeks to be actioned.
Feedback on appointment duration:
6 responses were received, 5 thought that a 10-minute appointment time was sufficient. 1 indicated that 10 minutes would normally be long enough, but a new patient may take longer. The PM advised that new patient health checks are completed by the nurses in extended appointment slots (15 minutes). If appointment times were extended from 10 minutes this would reduce the number of appointments available on any one day.
Memory Loss Matters update:
The new group started on Thursday 11th May at 1.30 pm. 11 Dementia patients attended with their carers. The majority were from Kidsgrove with 1 from Harriseahead. Margaret Hurley to try and get some patients from Talke to attend. Bev volunteered to put together a rota for the kitchen – 2 volunteers are needed each week. This would be a big commitment for Mount Road PPG members so it was agreed that th PM ask Dr Harbidge if their PPG members would assist. Jamie Wells could also possibly provide volunteers.
Patient Communications:
Newsletter:
The Chair has almost completed the Newsletter, and this will be out very soon, in time for Diabetes Awareness Week. It was suggested that information about the Dementia Group also be included.
Podcast:
Awaiting a reply from Pink Sisters. The Chair has still not received any response from Kathy Munslow (SSAFA).
Communications received:
None other than feedback from Approach re Dementia Group. These e-mails have already been circulated to PPG members.
PPG Bank Account status:
No change
A.O.B:
It was suggested that we organise a Christmas Tea Party as the ones pre Covid were successful and enjoyed by the patients who attended. Agreed
Date of Next Meeting:
Thursday 29th June at 11.30am
Practice Update
The surgery remains very busy. Covid Vaccination clinics are in progress for the Spring Booster vaccination. Appointments for GP-requested blood tests have proved to be very popular. Two part-time reception staff have been employed (one has started this week and the second starts next week).
Memory Loss Matters:
The new Activity Group will commence on Thursday 11th May 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm at Whitehill Methodist Community Church and will run weekly. PPG volunteers will assist with refreshments. Bernard & Bev have volunteered to cover the first few weeks. As this group will be in the afternoon we need to consider when future PPG meetings will be held. It was suggested that the meetings could be held late Thursday morning instead of afternoon, or on an alternative day. Chair to contact all members by e-mail to test what day/time suits them.
Patient communications:
Newsletter:
Suggested items to be included in the next newsletter:
Podcast:
Suggested that a local cancer support group “Pink Sisters and Misters” be invited to record a Podcast. Chair to contact.
Communications received:
e-mail received from Jamie Wells (see AOB)
PPG Bank Account status:
No change
AOB:
The Chair has received an e-mail from Jamie Wells from Support Staffordshire asking if the PPG would be interested in membership, the benefit being that it would give us the opportunity to get funding. It was agreed that we should take up the offer of membership. Chair to invite Jamie to a future meeting to give more details of the work done by Support Staffordshire.
Next meeting:
Thursday 18th May provisionally at 11.00 am
Presentation from a guest speaker - Emma Ford (Healthwatch Staffordshire)
Emma Ford from Healthwatch Staffordshire gave a presentation to the meeting. Healthwatch Staffordshire came into being after the issues at Stafford Hospital, with an aim to make sure that nothing like this happened again. There are 152 local Healthwatches in the UK. They work alongside the Care Quality Commission and can look into any healthcare place funded by the public purse. They give the general public a say in how services are carried out. They are funded by the Government via the local council. No casework is carried out so they do not deal with specific complaints, but they can signpost people to other organisations.
Minutes of the last meeting:
The minutes from the meeting held on 16th February 2023 were agreed upon and signed.
Matters Arising:
Update on current Surgery status:
The PM gave the report. Blood Tests that have been requested by the GP, are now available at the Surgery which saves patients from travelling to other centres. A member of the Reception team has left, however, 2 part-time replacements have now been employed. Charlotte, one of the Practice Nurses, has left and Nicola Grint who was a locum nurse has now joined the permanent nursing staff. The PM advised that she is awaiting delivery dates for the next batch of Covid 19 vaccines. Hopefully, these will be delivered in a couple of weeks’ time. Vaccinations will then be administered to the housebound, care home residents, immunosuppressed and 75+ age group. Eligible patients will be contacted and requested to book their vaccination.
Memory Loss Matters update: Since the last meeting the Chair has spoken to Gaynor (Approach) and she, some colleagues and the Chair will be visiting Whitehill Methodist Community Church on Monday 27th March to view the facilities. No definite starting date yet. Margaret Hurley (Social Prescriber) to arrange invitations to patients.
Patient Communications:
Newsletter:
Suggested items for April Newsletter
Podcast:
Chair to chase Kathy Munslow (SAFFA)
PPG Bank Account Status:
Letter now received confirming that the change of name on the account from Dr Robinson and Partners to Mount Road Practice is now complete. Account Balance £244.04.
Any other Business:
PPG Constitution: The Chair has drafted a proposed constitution and circulated it to PPG members. Any suggested amendments are to be sent to John.
AGM:
It was agreed that the AGM take place immediately before the next PPG meeting. Any items to be included on the agenda to be sent to the Chair 14 days prior to the meeting.
Dates of next meetings:
The next meetings were arranged for Thursday 27th April:
AGM at 1pm
PPG at 1.30pm
Presentation from guest speaker - Kathy Munslow (SSAFA)
Kathy Munslow (Caseworker) gave a presentation on the work done locally by SSAFA- the Armed Forces charity. The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen
and Families Association, is a UK charity that provides lifelong support to serving men and women and veterans from the British Armed Forces and their families or dependents.
She gave examples of help that she has been able to provide e.g., finding suitable accommodation for Veterans, home furnishings, provision of wet rooms etc.
Anyone who has been in the Armed Services (including TA's) can request help from SSAFA. Kathy advised that the Tri-Services Veterans Support Centre in Newcastle, where Nurses, Mental Health Workers, Case Workers and a Veterans Food Bank are based, is under threat of closure due to the Local Council wishing to buy back the property. It was suggested that Kathy record a Podcast - John to organise.
Minutes of the last meeting:
The minutes from the meeting held on 12th January 2023 were agreed upon and signed.
Matters Arising:
Update on Current Surgery Status:
The Practice Manager (PM)advised that surgery continues to be very busy but other than that there was little to report. John advised that the
telephone message still says that patients with Covid-19 should remain in their vehicle rather than entering surgery. The PM agreed to update the message and advised that patients with Covid are now seen face-to-face at the end of surgery sessions.
Memory Loss Matters:
We are currently waiting for the start of the new financial year when it is proposed that the sessions will commence. John to contact Gaynor from Approach to see if they wish to come and look at the hall at Whitehill Methodist Community Church. John has spoken to Jamie Wells (Support Staffordshire) who confirmed that a new Dementia Support Group is being set up in Butt Lane. John and Bev have spoken to some local musicians e.g., guitarist and ukelele groups who would be happy to help out, however, we need to check with Gaynor if Approach want/need this help.
Patient Communications:
Newsletter:
Items to be included in the April Newsletter
Podcast:
Kathy to record a Podcast giving information on work done by SSAFA.
Communications received:
John has received an e-mail from Emma Ford (Health Watch) who would like to address and work alongside the PPG. John to invite her to a future meeting.
PPG Bank Account status:
John had communication from Lloyds Bank stating that the account was due to be closed due to lack of activity. John has now made a deposit online and has confirmed that the Account name now shows Mount Road Practice, but the correspondence address still shows Dr Robinson and Partners- this cannot be changed.
Newcastle North PCN-PPG Meeting:
John had attended the meeting and circulated the minutes to PPG members.
Bullet points from other Practices covered today:
Any Other Business:
Date of Next Meeting:
Thursday 23rd March at 1.00 pm. Venue – the Surgery.
The meeting opened with a discussion on the Memory Loss Matters initiative. The document detailing the current status and next steps was circulated prior to the meeting. Topics covered: -
Musicians
Risk Assessment
Margaret suggested having a discussion with Gaynor Morton at Approach who have been setting up Carer groups locally and have recently set up a very successful group in Biddulph. John to contact her to arrange a meeting.
Jill suggested a meeting of both PPGs may be useful.
Minutes of last meeting:
The minutes of the meeting held on 24th November were agreed upon and signed.
Matters Arising:
Update on Current Surgery Status:
Surgery still very busy. Reception team is now fully staffed.
Patient Communications:
Newsletter:
Items to be included in the February Newsletter
Podcast:
Pharmacy First podcast to go out this week
Communications received:
Any Other Business:
Health event at Affinity Staffordshire will be held on Tuesday 31st January 10.00am to 3.00pm. Ernie is organising and would welcome volunteers to represent Mount Road PPG.
Date of Next Meeting:
Thursday 16th February at 10.30 am. Venue – the Surgery.
Archive - 2021/2022 Meetings
Minutes from the last meeting:
Minutes from the meeting held on 20th October were agreed upon and signed.
Matters arising:
The decorating is now completed. The new Receptionist is due to start next week.
Memory Loss Matters:
One patient who had contacted the PPG shared with the meeting her experience of caring for her husband at home following his diagnosis with Dementia in February this year until his death in August. He had extreme and devastating memory loss - the ability to operate the TV, phone, tablet and Kindle were all lost. Her main struggle was occupying him. Help is available for carers but nothing could be done to keep her husband occupied. The patient is very keen to set up a weekly group where both patients and carers can attend together. She would like this to take the form of a "singalong" and a general sharing of memories over light refreshments. This group would be open to all Dementia patients and their carers from Mount Road Practice and Dr Harbidge's practice. Sheridan Coker is happy to attend the group whenever possible.
A hall is required where the group could meet regularly. 2 of the PPG members offered to enquire about the group using the hall at Whitehill Methodist Community Church.
Update on current Surgery status:
With effect from January 2023, the ear syringing service will no longer be available at the practice. 6 patients had ears syringed in August and 4 in September and this service is not funded by the CCG and is no longer cost-effective.
The Patient Library has not been returned to the waiting room after the decorating, following concerns expressed at the practice staff meeting over infection control. Books will be donated to Dougie Mac charity shops.
PCN PPG Meeting Feedback:
Everyone Health now covers the whole of the ST7 area, and support available under this scheme include smoking cessation and weight management. NHS health checks will soon be available at local businesses and schools. The Health and Wellbeing event at Affinity will now take place on 31st January 2023, 10.00 am to 3.00 pm.
Patient communications:
Items to be included:
Newsletter
Podcasts
Communications received
The PPG received an e-mail regarding the Did Not Attend figures. The email contained information from another practice, where after 3 DNA's the practice suggests that the patient moves to a different practice. It was agreed that this is not something we would want to follow up
A comment was received regarding the central heating boiler being left on overnight and at weekends. The Practice Manager confirmed that each GP Practice has its own boiler so it may not even be the boiler from the Mount Road Practice that was on. On weekends when appointments are available heating has to be on and for the remainder of teh time teh frost guard is enabled.
Any other business:
One PPG member has been asked by a neighbour about repeat prescription processing times. the Practice Manager advised that it depends when the prescription is requested and whether a review is required. A GP must look at every prescription request before signing it off.
Minutes from the last meeting:
Minutes from the meeting held on 29th September were agreed upon and signed.
Matters arising:
Recruitment – The appointment of the new receptionist is still pending.
The surgery redecorating was ongoing.
The PPG and Stroke information has been amended on the screen in the waiting room.
The Patients Library has been temporarily suspended due to the decorating taking place.
Update on current Surgery status:
Charlie the new Nurse Practitioner is settling in well. The next vaccination clinic is scheduled for Wednesday 2nd November but will be a shorter session probably from 4 pm to 6 pm. The chair thanked all the volunteers for their support at previous clinics.
Bernard stated that at the last clinic, the number of vaccinators dropped from 5 to 3 but appointments were still scheduled for every minute, which caused some delays.
Patient communications:
Items to be included:
Newsletter
The draft Newsletter was almost complete and John shared it with the meeting. Items already included: -
Items to be added: -
Podcasts
Future podcasts:
Any other business:
The Practice anager reminded the members that the Mystery Shopper scheme and Friends and Family are still available
Minutes from the last meeting:
Minutes from the last meeting were agreed upon and signed.
Matters arising:
Recruitment – The receptionist who had been appointed did not take up the position so now recruiting again.
Walk-in Flu clinic – Patients arriving early had caused some issues. Once these had been sorted clinic ran well and was very busy.
Update on current Surgery status:
The new appointment layout is now live. If GP/Nurse wants to see a patient again in 2/3 weeks’ time, a text is sent out to the patient who can then book a pre-bookable appointment.
The DNA rate is still high (mainly nurse appointments).
With effect from Monday 10th October, the whole building (both Practices) is to be redecorated which will take 2 months. Some work will be carried out overnight.
With effect from 3rd October a new heating system is to be installed which will take 2 weeks, during which time there will be no heating.
It was asked if the PPG info on the waiting room screen could be onscreen for longer as it is not possible to read it all.
It was suggested that the Stroke information on the screen needs more explanation.
Patient’s Library: Library now up and running. Books have a sticker on with QR code which, when scanned, takes you to an online survey. A box to be put in the waiting room for people to put book donations in. It was agreed that PPG members will call in on an ad hoc basis to sort and label books.
Mystery Shopper Feedback: 10 responses were received which is enough for the original exercise, however, it was felt that it would be useful to keep this active.
PCN PPG Meeting Feedback:
Patient communications:
Items to be included:
Newsletter
Podcasts
Any other business:
None
Minutes from last meeting:
Minutes from the last meeting were agreed upon and signed.
Matters arising:
Update on current Surgery status:
Appointmets update:
Patients’ library:
The library is to be reinstated following the Covid-19 pandemic. Following the Practice change of name, new stickers to be printed. PPG members to go to Practice to set library up, on Thursday afternoons on a rota basis.
Patient Satisfaction Survey (2022):
The survey has been completed online. Across the PCN a total of 2,800 responses were received – 557 from Mount Road Practice. John shared the full results with the meeting which showed that all 5 Practices had similar overall results. Online booking of appointments should be live in approx. 2 weeks. Survey showed that most patients who responded were not aware of the Practice PPG Newsletter, so it was suggested that a batch text could be sent out to patients asking them to sign up to receive the Newsletter.
Patient communications:
Items to be included:
Newsletter
Podcasts
Any other business:
Next Meeting: The next meeting will be held on Thursday 29th September at 1.30pm at the Surgery.
Minutes from the last meeting: Minutes from the last meeting were agreed upon and signed.
Matters arising:
Continuity of care/Appointments: Dr Bradshaw gave an overview of the current appointment arrangements.
There are some proposed changes which have been circulated to the staff for their feedback.
The proposal is: -
1st Appointment on Monday to discuss results, feedback letter etc.
2nd Appointment is pre-bookable to see Dr Bradshaw.
3rd Appointment to be bookable online via the app.
The 5-afternoon appointments: -
3 appointments being from tasks,
1 booked if a patient calls for an appointment and 1 only to be booked a day or two before.
There is a higher rate of DNA with pre-bookable appointments for various reasons.
There is an issue whereby the surgery is monitored and marked down if patients have to wait more than 2 weeks for an appointment, however, in some instances this may be appropriate. i.e., they are asked to be seen for a follow-up in 4 weeks.
Dr Bradshaw stated that regarding the continuity of care, comprehensive notes are made on the patient record, and care plans are documented. If the GP requires a follow-up with the patient the GP can advise the patient to book an appointment a week before they need to see them and advise them to tell the receptionist, that they have received a text message to this effect. The receptionist can check the text message history to confirm this and then book the appointment. This process needs to be communicated to the new trainee GPs when they start their secondment.
There can be positive benefits from seeing a different GP, but this needs to be communicated.
The number of patients being seen at A&E is communicated to the practice each month and last month the cumulative number for the last 6 months from our practice attending A&E was significantly lower.
The practice does not operate a one problem per appointment policy.
Update on current Surgery Status:
A member of the reception team has sadly left so they are currently advertising for another receptionist to fill this position and also another member of the team is retiring in December, so are also advertising these hours. A New Nurse Practitioner is starting on October 22nd. Two new trainees start at the practice in August, a GP Registrar and Foundation Year 2 Doctor.
Patients Library:
The PPG are happy to help with running this service and needs to discuss and develop a process to support it.
Flu Vaccination update:
There is a combined Flu & COVID booster vaccination scheduled for 20th September at the surgery. Three volunteers will be required to support the session.
Patient Satisfaction Survey (2022):
The Patient Satisfaction survey is still open, although the results of the question on extended hours appointment preference have been submitted. The chair agreed to contact Tracey Lewsey to agree on a closure date for the survey.
Patient communications:
Newsletter:
Items to be included
Podcast future episode suggestions: -
AOB:
Date of next meeting: 25th August, 1:30 pm @ Mount Road Practice.
The meeting was at Mount Road Practice.
Issues arising from the previous meeting.
Current Surgery Status
Patient communications:
Newsletter:
Items to be included
• Financial Support options
• Staffing updates and availability
• Update on COVID vaccination boosters.
Podcast future episode suggestions:
• CPCS (Community Pharmacy Consultation Service)
AOB: There was a question about the surgery carrying out ear syringing. Liz clarified the situation which is that the service is not carried out as a routine service, but can be carried out, if required, after an appointment with the Nurse practitioner.
The chair gave feedback on the last PCN PPG meeting.
Key points were: -
The PCN have made 2 new appointments. One is a social prescriber to support Margaret Hurley, and the second is a female paramedic.
Wendy raised the question of appointments and whether it was possible to book an appointment with a specific GP/clinician. Liz stated that this was possible, although it may result in a longer wait, as they did not all work every day.
The question was also asked as to whether it was possible to have a list of staff employed and have the details made available to patients, possibly including photographs.
Liz agreed to take this point up with the GP’s/Staff.
Date of next meeting: 21st July, 1:30 pm @ Mount Road Practice
The meeting was held using Microsoft Teams.
Issues arising from previous meeting
Current Surgery Status
COVID-19 vaccination status.
Patient Communications
Newsletter items
suggested items for the newsletter were: -
Podcast suggestions: -
A.O.B
The Practice has signed up for the Access Support Package with CCG. Details of the scheme were given. PPG members wil be involved in this moving forward.
Date of next meeting: May 2022, exact date T.B.C. when the date of next vaccination clinic is confirmed.
Issues arising from previous meeting
Update on current Surgery Status
COVID-19 vaccination status.
The surgery are still awaiting confirmation od the vaccine delivery for the over 75's.
Vaccination sessions for the immunosupressed are still going ahaead.
Patient Communications
Newsletter items
suggested items for the newsletter were: -
A.O.B
None.
Date of next meeting: Thursday 28th April at 11.30 am via Microsoft Teams.
Issues arising from previous meeting
Update on current Surgery Status
COVID Vaccination update
Patient Communications
Newsletter items
suggested items for the newsletter were: -
Podcast Items
A.O.B
Date of next meeting: Thursday 24th March at 1.30pm. Location - Surgery
Issues arising from previous meeting
Update on current Surgery Status
COVID Vaccination update
Patient Communications
Newsletter items
Podcast Items
A.O.B
Date of next meeting: Thursday 24th February at 1.30pm. Decision on whether this would be face to face or via Teams will be made nearer the time.
Issues arising from previous meeting
Update on current Surgery Status
COVID Vaccination Update
Patient Communications
Newsletter items
Podcast Episodes
A.O.B
Date of next meeting: Thursday January 20th, 2022. Venue or Teams Meeting – to be confirmed
Issues arising from previous meeting
• A Podacst episode has been recorded by Dr Bradshaw, awaiting editing & publication.
• A page has been added to the PPG website for publishing a summary of PPG meetings.
Update on current Surgery Status
• The practice is still waiting on the software provider to update the practice name on prescriptions etc. Dr Robinson’s patient records cannot be updated until this has been completed.
COVID/Flu Vaccinations
• COVID & Flu vaccinations are ongoing. The next COVID vaccination session will be held at the surgery on 4th November, 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
• There will be an additional vaccinator to increase the number of vaccinations that can be delivered.
• Immunosuppressed patients have been prioritised and 200 have already been given a booster vaccination.
• 40 housebound patients are due to have boosters, but as there must be a 15-minute post vaccination observation period and the need to ensure PPE hygiene between vaccinations it is only possible to do approximately 12 patients per day.
• All patients ae eligible for a booster 6 months after their 2nd vaccination.
Patient Communications
Newsletter items
• A push for more PPG members to represent different patient demographics.
• Details on the next Flu vaccination clinic and an update on the COVID booster vaccinations.
Podcast episode suggestions
• Input from PPG members on COVID vaccination volunteering and being a PPG member.
• Enquire if any Surgery staff members would like to record an episode highlighting the work they do.
Date of next meeting: Thursday 2nd of December @ 1:30pm, Venue TBD
Issues arising from previous meeting
PCN-PPG Meeting Update
Update on current Surgery Status
COVID/Flu Vaccinations:
Patient Communication
Date of next meeting: Thursday 21st of October @ 1:30pm, Venue TBD
John King - Chair
Joesephine Locke - Vice Chair
Bev Rushton
Jill Loska
Jan Sanders
Bernard Rushton
Grace Lowe
Wendy Snee
