MINUTES OF PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP (PPG) MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 24.11.15
PRESENT: Dr R Y M Loh
Dr A Jagota
PATIENTS PRESENT: CA
PB
Dr U F Agbim
Gillian Dyson - Practice Manager
Jayne Lund – Reception Manager
Seema Jagota – Patient Liaison Officer
Topics raised at the meeting were as follows:
Introduction - Members were welcomed and the agenda of the meeting was distributed to everyone.
Did Not Attend’s (DNAs) – The problem of DNA’s was discussed at the meeting again as numbers have not reduced. It was agreed that the surgery policy
must be adhered to. This states that if a patient DNAs three consecutive appointments in 6 months and has received a warning letter; they will be removed
from the practice list. CA stated that when she attended the last Calderdale Health Forum, it was said that this was the standard policy in other surgeries.
However, the doctors agreed that each patient must be discussed individually as there may be extenuating circumstances.
Winter Pressures – The doctors informed the group that due to the increase in demand for appointments over the winter period, there will be 21 extra
appointments a week from 30th November to 15th April. This is a policy suggested by the Calderdale Commissioning Group to decrease pressure on
Emergency and Out of Hours Services.
Online Services – The group was told that online services are available to improve access. This includes booking appointments up to four weeks in advance
and ordering repeat prescriptions via the internet. Further to this, patients can have limited to access to their medical records, this access will increase by
April 2016.
Care Quality Commission Report (CQC) – The doctors explained all practices are thoroughly inspected by the CQC. This includes the premises, staff and
surgery policies. The CQC then write up a report which is available to the public. The practice received an overall good outcome. A link to this report is
available on the surgery website.
Foundation Year 2 Doctor – The doctors explained that we would have a qualified doctor who is in their second year of training working in the practice for
four months at a time. This doctor will be able to see patients but will be fully supervised.
Friends and Family Tablet – It was explained that we have a new tablet facility in the waiting room for patients to enter Friends and Family data. This data is
regarding patient experience of the service in the surgery. Gill summarised the results so far. Out of 255 responses, the majority of patients would be likely
to recommend the surgery to friends and family.
Polypharmacy for over 75s – It was explained that patients who are over 75 and are taking 10 or more repeat prescribed medications, will be invited to
attend the surgery for a medication review. It may be that the patient may not need to be taking so many medications. The CCG have provided the practice
with a pharmacist for a certain period of time to give advice on prescribing.
Influenza Vaccinations – The doctors informed the group that the uptake of ‘flu vaccinations was less than in previous years. It was discussed that this is
because patients could now be vaccinated at chemists. This should only be opportunistic and chemists should not target patients. The doctors explained
that it is better for patients to have the ‘flu vaccination at the surgery where their full medical record and history can be accessed.
Calderdale Health Forum – CA explained to the group what had been discussed at the previous Forum. The feedback showed that all practices have an
issue with patients not attending appointments and all agree that they need to be firm in removing patients. This matter will also be discussed with Health
Watch and other patient groups. The next forum will be held on 8th December and CA has kindly agreed to provide the group with feedback from this.
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Number of PPG Meetings – The group agreed we would have two meetings a year. One would be held after April, after the winter pressure period and then
in October. The patients in the group also suggested they could meet before the official meeting to discuss any matters they would like to be added to the
agenda. Unfortunately we do not have a room available in the practice for this to take place due to lack of space and confidentiality issues. The patients
stated this was not a problem and would find somewhere to meet.
The patients were thanked for their attendance and were told they would be informed when the date of the next meeting had been set.
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