PPG: Meeting Minutes 9th January 2025

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Agenda Items

Welcome

• SP welcomed attendees and introduced Chris Sharp, practice nurse and Louise Harmes who is trhe governance lead going forward.

Apologies

Talk by Chris Sharp on skin care

• We were told how important it is to look after our skin to prevent dryness and itching, which can lead to many issues such as ulceration. Many creams and other skin products are obtainable over the counter at a pharmacist. Hydration and moisturising are really important for skin health. A good tip to break the itch, scratch cycle is to try using an antihistamine which will stop the itching. If you need clinical care for a skin issue then please ask for Chris when booking an appointment.
• SP thanked Chris for his very informative talk

Notes and matters arising from November

• Minutes were a true reflection of meeting.
• Matters Outstanding – Front pavement –On the list to be done but often there are more urgent issues that require funding so it gets delayed.
• Signpost height at entrance to site. NB U brackets should be able to be adjusted.KW to action
• The lift remains out of action. DO is moving this on. The motor has been agreed to be replaced – waiting for parts. Group suggested a further letter to Assura with copy to Roger Gale. Action SP
• Update of clinical templates – Drs Osman and Dunton were in a meeting to discuss at the time of the PPG
• Confirmed that there should be no need for a separate email address for hard of hearing so standard emails to be used.

BMC Updates

• Unfortunately DNA numbers were not available at the meeting. Since then we have received them and they are: November 2024  GP 18, ACP 59, Nurse 130 total 207; December 2024 GP26, ACP 29, Nurse 110, Total 165   ANNUAL FIGURES GP 319, ACP 420, Nurse 1853  TOTAL 2592
• 2GP clinical leads are now in place – Drs Osman and Dunton. The Lead Team is now those GPs and Karen Wilshaw and Dan O’Connell. It is hoped Andy Walsh will rejoin this team in the coming months. The GP leads hope to join the March meeting.
• A few staffing changes are happening, with a new general admin post, 2 ACP roles being advertised and a reception vacancy

PPG Updates

• Quality and Assurance:  Louise Harmes introduced herself and described her role in governance. She gave an update on Quality and Assurance. Most areas covered are running well with no serious clinical incidents outstanding and QoF is on target. !0 complaints are outstanding. Themes are prescriptions, with requests for opiod drugs to go on repeat prescription. This cannot happen due to the addictive nature of these drugs; also a prescription started privately but using a drug outside of its licenced remit will not be taken on by the practice as this is not funded by the NHS. Also an issue of medical records not being correct and attitude of staff.
• LH said that it is important that complaints are dealt with in the right forum and not on social media.
• SP asked for an update on the IT issues such as AccuRx and eConsult replacements. KW assured that the contract for AccuRx is extended beyond 31/3. These issues to be taken at QA meeting in January
• SP asked whether patients are making full use of the extra clinics held at Minster surgery as part of Winter pressures. KW to check levels of activity but confirmed patients are being offered the choice
• Workplan: 3 options were discussed – Information in preparation for bereavement; Test results and DNA audit. Following much discussion, the group agreed to small pieces of work on the first 2 options but felt that there was no need for the DNA audit as the benefit to patients is minimal.Sp will lead on bereavement and BP will lead the test result workstream.

Issues raised by members

• Following a call from GP patient told a chest Xray was required but there has been no contact. What is the process?  The patient should have been told that they would need to collect an Xray request form from reception and attend hospital at a time convenient to themselves.
• Has the BMA work to rule affected the practice? No, and it needs t be confirmed if this is still ongoing at national level

AOB and Meetings Management

• Patient prescribed additional drug, has requested it be added to repeat prescription for 2/12 in line with remainder of prescribed dugs. Waiting for this change since November. KW asked to be informed of patient name outside of meeting to resolve.
• Query why the triage process has stopped – clinical leads are aiming to establish best option for BMC – currently in meeting to discuss exactly this and clinical templates
• a good news item. A patient needed dermatology input. Was contacted by the servicve, asked if willing to travel to Rochester. They did and were impressed by speed and care and advised if you need dermatology and get offered this option – it is a good one.
• SP informed the group that Mandy Clifford (receptionist) had won the award for Improving patient experience from Invicta Healthcare. Congratulations to Mandy.

Dates of future meetings

• 13 March 2025                  
• 8 May 2025                    
• 10 July 2025
• 11 September 2025    
• 13 November 2025

Meeting concluded at 5pm.