HARTLEY CORNER SURGERY
PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP
MARCH 2011 – NEWSLETTER No.1
Introduction by Anne Strong
We are pleased to introduce ourselves as the Committee of the recently formed Hartley Corner Surgery Patient
Participation Group.
Committee Members:
Chairperson: Anne Strong (email: amstrong@sky.com)
Secretary:
Karen Toms (Assistant Practice Manager - contact through Hartley Corner Surgery)
Gill and Hugh Lambert (email: mimi.lambert@ntlworld.com), Brian Henley (brian.henley@ntlworld.com)
Louise Parratt, William Gascoigne, Derek Turner, Emma Dent, Mary Thomas.
Hartley Corner Surgery had a Patient Participation Group 10 years ago which disbanded through
time, and the surgery was keen to start one up again to help improve communication between
practice and patients. We were contacted as patients who were known to have either good links
with the local community or had worked within the NHS previously or had an interest in
improving patient care.
Patient Groups can become involved in such things as Patient Surveys, Fundraising Events, Health
Events, contributing to practice decision making, and generally improving communication
between patients and practice. We are not however a forum for complaints, which as always
should be directed to the Practice Manager.
We have begun slowly by talking to representatives from practice staff, finding out what our
mutual goals are for the future and how we as patients can help focus on improving services for all
11,500 patients at Hartley Corner where possible. To make us an effective group it is important to
find out what you, our fellow patients, think is important for the practice both now and in the
future. For example, what is being done well, what could be done differently, things you would
like to see introduced if possible, and any constructive ideas?
As you will see we now have a notice board in the Waiting Room and have instigated a Patient
Feedback Form – and we will be happy to address any concerns/positive suggestions you have as
we go along. We are planning on having a Quarterly Topic of Interest and a regular newsletter,
and would welcome your ideas of what you would find interesting and informative in it.
If you would like to get in contact for further information, please feel free to do so either via email
to our addresses above, or through Karen Toms at the surgery, or by using our Feedback Forms
(available on our notice board or on the main reception desk).
Anne
Cont/…..
WASTED APPOINTMENTS
We were keen to learn from the practice how many appointments are wasted due to patients
not turning up or telephoning to cancel. We discovered that during February 2011 the
following were wasted:
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81 Nursing Appointments
48 GP appointments – this is equivalent to 1 ½ days of Doctors surgery appointments.
We were quite shocked to learn this. (Some of the Nursing appointments were for half an hour appointments such
as Minor Operations, Diabetic Appointments, Medical examination appointments, Quit Smoking, and many more).
This is frustrating for staff and patients, because of the pressure and demand for appointments where many appear
to be going to waste.
It is quite understandable that things happen at the last minute and missing an appointment is unavoidable, but if at
all possible, please try to telephone to cancel if you know you will not be able to attend.
Always make a note of your future appointments on your calendar or diary.
Patients who fail to keep appointments on a regular basis are written to by the practice but we hope by drawing
your attention to this, things will improve.
SPRING TOPIC – CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
The practice has recently invested some funds into purchasing a Carbon Monoxide Testing Machine
after the GPs did some research into how common this problem is nationally. As a group we did
some investigation ourselves.
The symptoms of mild carbon monoxide poisoning may be non-specific and similar to those of a viral cold, flu or
food poisoning such as:
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Headache, Nausea, Abdominal Pain, Dizziness, Sore Throat, Dry Cough
Unlike flu infection – it does not cause a high temperature.
In children, the symptoms are similar to those of a stomach upset, with nausea and vomiting.
More severe poisoning can result in:

Fast and irregular heart rate, Hyperventilation, Confusion, Drowsiness, Difficulty Breathing, Seizures and
loss of consciousness may also occur.
Some symptoms can occur a few days or even months after exposure to carbon monoxide. These may include
confusion, loss of memory and problems with co-ordination.
Prevention
Prevention is most important – have gas fires and boilers regularly serviced and consider fitting a Carbon
Monoxide Alarm
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
The overriding advice is that they should have a visual and audible alarm. All alarms should have the British
Standard EN50291 and carry a British or European approval mark such as a Kite mark.
OUT OF HOURS SERVICE
As most of you know, during the evenings, weekends and on Bank
Holidays when the surgery is closed, cover is provided by GPs at the
Frimley Primary Care Service for Out of Hours cover. This is based at
Frimley Park Hospital (but they cannot take walk-ins – you must
telephone first)
Some of our committee members had come to learn that some elderly patients were not aware of what they should
do when the surgery was shut and they needed medical advice or attention – which did not warrant a visit to A&E
at Frimley Park Hospital.
The surgery has always provided information about this in the practice brochure, on posters during Bank Holidays,
on the Waiting Room TV display and as a message on the telephone system when the surgery is closed.
So, if you require urgent GP advice when the surgery is closed:
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Telephone the normal surgery number 01252 872791
Listen to the message.
If you hold the line you will automatically be transferred through to the Out of Hours Service.
They will call you back, assess your needs and offer advice/treatment.
Or, you can call them direct on 0118 936 5649
Or, call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47
We have asked the practice to highlight this information in the Practice Brochure when next re-printed and this has
being actioned.
We hope to produce a PPG Newsletter approximately four times a year and update you with
developments and topics of interest
HEALTHY EATING RECIPE attached
HEALTHY EAING RECIPE
Beef and mixed Bean Chilli with Rice
Serves 4
1 onion, peeled and finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
1-2 tsp cayenne pepper or paprika
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp ground cumin
511g/1lb 2oz extra lean minced beef
400g can chopped tomatoes
1 red and 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and cut into small bite sized pieces
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
400g can red kidney beans in chilli sauce
400g can mixed beans in brine, drained and rinsed
312g/11oz dried long grain rice
Coriander sprigs to garnish (optional)
Chunky salad (cucumber, red onion and tomato) to serve
1. Place a large, non stick frying pan over a medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and stir fry
for 1-2 minutes. Add the cayenne pepper or paprika, cinnamon, cumin and minced beef and
stir for 5-6minutes.
2. Add the tomatoes and peppers and bring to the boil. Season well, cover tightly and cook
over low heat for 20 – 25 minutes.
3. Add the beans, stir to mix well and return to the heat for another 10 minutes.
4. Meanwhile cook the rice according to the packet instructions, drain and keep warm.
5. Remove the chilli from the heat and serve with the rice. Garnish with coriander if using and
serve with the chunky salad.
Recipe courtesy of Slimming World