PPG: Meeting Minutes 14th March 2024

 

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Name Organisation/Representative Initials
Sheila Pitt PPG Chair SP
Breda Pooke PPG Vice Chair BP
Mike Earl Advanced Care Practitioner  (in attendance) ME
  +9 PPG members + 1 BMC member  
 

Agenda Items

Welcome

  • SP welcomed attendees and outlined the agenda items and topics for discussion.

Apologies

 

Notes and matters arising from 11th January 2024

  • Paving by front doors
  • Noticeboard
 

BMC Updates

Changes to system for on the day appointments / walk in clinic

  1. Mike Earl attended to provide an overview of the planned update for a triage system for appointments. This is being developed in order to help with the demand for same day appointments, which are bookable from 8am. There has been disparity in the system with some patients who are able to get to the practice starting to queue earlier each morning competing for appointments with patients who call from 8am. This system has not been able to ensure that the patients with most clinical need are the ones who get appointments. The previous system of a walk-in clinic would no longer work due to much higher demand, which would result in lost routine appointments.
  2. The practice is trying to create a fairer opportunity for everyone by all calls taken between 8 and 9am being triaged by a clinician into the most appropriate setting for care.  Patients will see a GP,  an advanced practitioner, a nurse or may even be directed to an alternative provider such as a pharmacy or urgent Treatment Centre. Appointments will be either face to face or telephone.
  3. All questions are being drawn up by a clinician but will be asked by the receptionist on the phone call. Triage will be carried out by an ACP or GP. There is always access to a GP for the ACP to get a second opinion.
  4. Patients will receive a text informing them of allocation. Allocation will be based on need not who calls the practice first etc.
  5. Most practices have already instigated a digital front door (access only by internet) but BMC do not believe that is right for here.
  6. Communication is key. Patients need to be taught more about access.
  7. Patients with hearing disabilities (unable to use phone ) will still be able to make appointment in person at the practice. This will be limited to those who have this issue flagged in their notes.
  8. Important that patients keep mobile phone numbers up to date with the practice as this is now the most important method of communication
  9. The service needs to be started and have a system for review.   Action  SP/BP /to meet with BMC

Also add to BPC magazine article / noticeboard/ signs on doors.

Dashboard

  • Figures had no major changes
  • Plan is still to do a DNA audit. Access to information to be agreed. Need to think about gender and age brackets plus how can we find out circumstances

Staff sickness

  • Question was raised re what systems are in place to cope. LS told the group locum agencies are available to help. If changes are more permanent patients will be notified. Sometime sickness can cause a backlog of appointments or paperwork.
  • LS said that receptionists should be able to better help patients understand what should be an urgent appointment and what is appropriate.

Pharmacy trial

  • The trial for patients with visual disability is ongoing. AW currently on leave. CB in discussion with him.
  • Patients with hearing disabilities – the issue is sitting with IH for solution  - used to be a text service but this no longer works.
 

PPG Updates

Dementia/LTC day

  • BP gave an update on progress. A questionnaire is being developed , to help with support, health and wellbeing and services. The day will cover Education and awareness about Dementia. To cover carers and family support. The aim of the day is making sure everyone is better educated as well as supported.

Workplan

  • SP/BP  took the group through the amended workplan.
  • Lots of comments and agreed alterations. Updated plan will be added to noticeboard and website

Notification of AGM

  • SP informed the group that the May meeting is the AGM and that the posts of Chair and Vice Chair need to be elected.
  • Forms were available for members to either nominate themselves or a third party (with their agreement)
  • This will be added to the magazine

Issues raised by members

  • None
 

AOB and Meetings Management

Dates of future meetings

  • 9th May 2024
  • 11th July 2024
  • 12th September 2024

Meeting concluded at 5pm.