QUEENS ROAD SURGERY
PPG MEETING – MONDAY 16TH JULY 2012 @ 6.30pm
M I N U T E S
Present:
Dr A, Dr N, Dr D, K.S, L.G, T.S, C. L, J.W,
L.Q, C.D, P.C, A. J, J.E.
KS thanked everyone for coming to the second PPG meeting. Following our
last meeting we were informed that it was very useful for those who
attended. KS added that we had invited 30 or more patients but hopefully
the numbers will increase over time.
KS handed out the Surgery’s Summer Newsletter which is on the website
and copies are available at reception for patients.
KS explained the reason for these meetings to those who had not attended
last time. She said that as the CCGs grow it will give patients and the public
the opportunity to influence commissioning ideas for the local area. Also if
anyone was interested in heading the PPG to let her know.
KS introduced CL to the meeting, the surgery’s Prescribing Support
Pharmacist, who gave a demonstration regarding wastage of drugs.
CL explained the role of a Prescribing Support Pharmacist and how each
surgery has a pharmacist to assist and encourage cost effective evidence
based prescribing, help with queries and liaise with secondary care and
community pharmacists, other health care workers.
The main aim of the talk was to make patients aware of the problem of
waste. There is a huge amount of medicines waste and the NHS Portsmouth
is aiming to save £500,000 this year. Cost of medicines prescribed in
Portsmouth in 2010-11 was £26 million. Evidence suggests £1 in every £25
is wasted.
There are many causes of waste, some are unavoidable, e.g., change of drug,
side effects etc, some avoidable.
Some examples of avoidable causes of waste:
• Ordered on repeat but not really needed just yet (repeats out of
synchronisation)
•
•
•
•
•
Ordered on repeat but not being used
Confusion on repeat slip and supplied in error
Prescribing excessive quantities of medicine
Ordered by carer/pharmacy, unaware of what is needed
Medicine not being using as intended by the prescriber
CL explained the surgery is updating protocols, checking requests, checking
order frequency, adding directions etc to assist in waste reduction. The
surgery are also ensuring patients understand how, why, when to take their
medicines and the expected outcome. Advice will be given on any special
techniques e.g. inhalers, if medicines should be taken before/after food.
Patients can help by
• Only order what is necessary
• Inform and discuss with the GP if you no longer take a medicine
• BUT remember, some medicines MUST not be stopped without
discussing with your GP first.
• Discuss with GP/nurse if you do not understand why or how to take
your medicines.
• Discuss with GP/nurse if you are not happy taking your medicines.
Why? Side effects?
• Visit your community pharmacist – Medication Use Reviews and
New Medicine Services
There needs to be a whole team approach – patient/GP practice and
community practice to help achieve the target savings.
JE asked if the target savings (ie £500,000) will actually go back into NHS
patient care. CL confirmed it would.
AJ said that a lot of wastage is due to tubes, jars etc…perhaps to make them
smaller. CL said this was a good point and would feed this back.
PC asked if it would help if patients knew how much medications cost. CL
said that it would not as the NHS is free at point of service and some patients
would think that they are costing the services so much and may stop taking
their medication.
CD asked if the doctors at the surgery will be holding the budget for
services. DA replied that the Consortium which has been set up will do this
and services will be as usual. KS added that different services will come
into force to avoid usual pathways.
KS asked if anyone had looked at the surgery website. JE said she had. KS
confirmed that the spring newsletter was well received and the summer one
is now available on the website and in surgery.
DNAs – KS said that since last meeting an audit was done which showed
2777 DNAs. KS asked for any ideas to reduce this as it is obviously a waste
on resources.
KS said we have stopped sending out letters after 3 rd DNA due to postage
costs. PC asked if patients can be reminded about appointments.
LQ suggested putting the number of DNA’s on the Lifechannel TV month to
month. KS to look into. AJ suggested taking patients off the register after 3
dnas. JW asked the doctors if they speak to patients about their dnas – FN
said they did. KS said they will put a poster up from month to month re
dnas.
DA said that since last meeting the patient’s toilet has been redecorated plus
new floor.
KS – Out of Hours service – to find out how patients are finding this service.
Changing to a new provider in October this year so will look at that one in
the future when the service is established.
JE volunteered herself to be the Patient Representative Lead.
discussed further at next meeting.
KS asked if any further questions or discussions, nothing else.
KS said the Newsletters will be run quarterly.
DA proposed the next meeting to be in October – to be confirmed.
To be