Annual Report
The Dunster Patient Participation Group was established a few years ago by a small group of patients
from the surgery. A group met at the invitation of the practice and the “Dunster Participation
Group” title was adopted by the working party. The group now comprises of 13 members, with the
surgery represented by both GP’s and local resident Chis Oliver as the Chair . Dunster Surgery is a
member of Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group (SCCG) which is responsible for deciding how
health services in the area are delivered.
A very good open meeting was arranged in 2009 in the Dunster Tithe Barn attracting a good
attendance of local residents. The purpose of the “Patient Group” was explained and those
attending were addressed by Dr Kelham, representing the Surgery, who explained the role of the
Group. Since the Group was established is has worked very closely with the Surgery in its aim to
provide a new purpose built surgery for Dunster Patients. A considerable amount of hard work has
been required liaising with a number of organisations including Dunster Parish Council and Exmoor
National Park for this project to be finalised. This has been years of hard work for all involved with
the project at the Surgery with the new build currently in progress with successful project delivery
due for completion at the end of 2015.
The “Patient Group” has met on a quarterly basis during the year, discussing various patient issues
and thereby ensuring voices of all patients in the locality are represented in discussions with the
surgery the CCG and other organisations.
Specific projects the Patient Group is closely involved in the last year 2014/15 have been:
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As part of the West Somerset Federation worked closely with other surgeries in the planning
and setting up a “Men’s Health Awareness Event” held May 2014 at the Minehead Rugby
Club. This provided a health check for Men to attend and receive a check and health
information.
Group have during 2013 and 2014 respectively, designed and conducted an “Annual Patient
Survey” with detailed analysis of the survey’s findings discussed and any relevant action
taken.
Provision of voluntary assistance at annual “Flu Jab” day held each October in the Tithe Barn
by assisting staff by proving refreshments to patients after their injection.
A small group of volunteers provided assistance during Jan to March 2015 period to enable
the Surgery to provide extra surgeries at the tithe Barn during the Dunster road closure.
Including a daily carrier’s service to ensure blood samples were “picked up” by the NHS
courier service.
Dunster Patient Group now well established and works closely with other other health
providers. Vice – chair attends “ CCG Chair’s “ meeting within the county and provides two
way feedback on issues raised. Informing the Group accordingly.
Useful links with other PPG’s through both Chairs meetings and Federation meetings have
been established.
Notice of Dunster patient Group meetings are advertised in the local Parish newsletter as a
method of promoting the PPF and sharing information. The PPG has a notice board within
the Surgery waiting room area and this is used and another information share medium.
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A Suggestion box has also been placed in waiting room area for patients to feedback any
issues or concerns to the Patient Group for discussion and resolution.
The Group is affiliated to the National Association for Patient Participation (NAPP).
May 2015