Minutes of Topcliffe Patient Reference Group (PRG) Meeting 3.7.13
Present: Dr Chappelow (GP), Dr Doswell (GP), Karen Reed (Practice
Manager), Garry Key
Apologies: Isobel Peters, Charlotte Burnett-Graham, Nicola Tyler,
Barbara Brightwell
1. Introductions were made
2. Aims of the PRG and its role In CQC
The group was reminded of the role of the PRG as a critical friend and
how it serves to shape the future of the practice by acting as a
sounding board. It should generate ideas to use as part of the annual
patient questionnaire.
The practice awaits its inspection by the Care Quality Commission
(CQC). This is the regulator of Primary and Secondary Care. 48 hours
notice is given of an inspection and the PRG proposes to compile a list
of PRG volunteers who would be willing to speak to the CQC as and
when needed.
Other inititatives under the Hambleton, Richmond and Whitby CCG
(HRWCCG) include:
a) Health Engagement Network (HEN) – this is where lay persons are
involved in service design
b) Wider PRG group for HRW based at Leyburn linking PRGs in our
area
It was agreed that there is significant overlap between these groups
and that we would disseminate information for patients to decide
whether they would like to be involved in either of these groups.
In terms of trying to broaden the number and diversity of members in
the PRG, the practice makes every effort to enroll new members by
handing out forms with new patient information and advertising the
group within the practice premises. There is a huge variation in levels
of activity amongst local practices.
3. Feedback and Progress from last year’s changes
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Appointments – audit findings revealed a positive response from
drop in surgeries to booked surgeries only. A further audit is
planned to uncover any further problems. Positive comments
were received regarding benefits for both doctors and patients.
Doctors can manage their workload better and patients can plan
their time better
Telephones – no new issues, The addition of an extra line has
relieved pressure on the system
Leaflets and education. The Amscreen has had a positive
impact on patient information. The issue of updating leaflets has
not yet been addressed due to limited staff capacity. It is
perceived that there is often a reluctance to take leaflets in such
a public area. Does technology make leaflets less relevant?
4. Possible issues for the coming year and for the questionnaire
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Advertising the practice - it was suggested that the practice
might use TATler (Parish magazine) to promote health-related
issues. This could be used as part of the Parish Council’s
information strategy. This publication is delivered quarterly to
residents of Topcliffe and Asenby.
The school newsletter could be used for issues relevant to child
health.
Practice leaflets could be dropped at the new housing
developments.
Local housing development - possible pressures on the practice
were discussed in the form of the Sowerby Gateway
Development and a housing development in Dalton. Currently
the practice has capacity.
EMIS access – online access was discussed and a member of
the PRG was happy to assist the practice manager at some
point in sharing the experience of online booking.
Car park safety – a recent incident was discussed as were
potential traffic calming measures. New stop/slow signs have
been ordered by the practice. The car park is owned by the
surgery but has shared access. It was agreed that speed bumps
at the car park entrance were not advisable due to them being a
possible trip hazard.
Appointment system – whilst better for the GPs and patients, the
continued nurse drop-in makes it more difficult for nurses to
manage their time owing to the unpredictability of the workload.
Repeat prescriptions – this works well on the whole. Best
practice is to take written rather than verbal requests for
prescriptions in order to limit mistakes being made.
NHS 111 – this went live locally on 2.7.13. The background was
explained – single point of contact/replaces NHS Direct. The
local use of this could be assessed using the patient
questionnaire.
Patient involvement in the PRG – several new members have
signed up and their participation is much appreciated.
Other issues – SOS Campaign. This is a campaign started by
rural practices in order to protect the practice income. Recent
Government changes regarding the GP pay formula does not
have an inclusion for rurality. The practice stands to lose up to
£30,000 should these changes go ahead and this will have an
impact on patient services. We looked at how, and if, the
practice should get involved. Should we try and involve patients
or get involved just at a GP level?
5. Agreed Schedule of meetings
Next face-to-face meeting after the questionnaire – Jan 2014.