PPGMinutes
Date: Thursday 21st April 2016
The Highlands Practice
Apologies
Amanda Gray
Mr & Mrs Strickland
Mrs Angela Foley
Mrs Illidge
Present
Nicola Earle
Katie Armstrong
Sarah Cursons
Jean Thomas
Maddie Eastley
Pauline Halford
Cyril Jones
Items Discussed
Welcome new members
Mr Cyril Jones, Pauline Halford and Mrs Illidge.
GP update
Dr Lakes will become a partner on 1st May 2016, has interests in gynaecology
Dr Kerin will be leaving the practice and patients will be transferred over the Dr Johnston, letters are due to be sent to all Dr Kerin’s registered patients advising them of the transfer.
PPG queried Dr Rattray’s return date from maternity leave, which will be in November 2016.
New Website
A new website (same address as before will be launching in May/June 2016. Linked to the new website will be GP Web, were patients can ask and receive feedback from a GP, within an allocated time frame. Also, available will be help and advice links, signposting patients to alternative help and advice.
Visit to The Fernes
A new care home called The Fernes (Barchester Healthcare) 6 Samuel Mortimer Close, Fareham will open on the 26th June 2016. Jean Thomas, Amanda Gray and Dr Collins went to visit the new home on 20th April 2016. The Fernes will offer residential care to start with and develop dementia care and respite breaks and short stay in the near future. There will be parking at the site although very limited. The problem of traffic build-up was discussed during the meeting. Residents will be able to register at local surgeries within the catchment area.
Prescriptions
Angela Farrar (Prescribing administrator) prepared a brief outline of her duties and what happens when a prescription comes into the surgery. Approximately 200 prescriptions are completed in one day with peaks on a Monday and Tuesday.
The costings of Aspirin and Paracetamol being prescribed by the GPs were discussed and the implications of heavy costs to the NHS. People who take large amounts of paracetamol or aspirin are limited to how many items can be purchased at pharmacies.
An item was highlightedby a member that maybe certain medications could be paid for at a reduced price by those who do not pay for medication usually.
Employing a Pharmacist
A pharmacist from Tesco called Rheais joining the practice in June, on a three year piolet scheme. Her role will include reviewing medication, how the surgery spends money on medications, involvement with nursing homes repeats medication and face to face contact via appointments with patients.
The Highlands Hub
The Highlands Hub is now online an on Facebook highlandshub. To find out more about the facilities and services offered visit
The facilities on offered include use of the internet, free WI-FI alsothere isclubs and social events. The Hub is looking for volunteers in the community.
Staff update
Sarah Cursons has joined the practice in March 2016 as our operational manager and will support/manage the day to day running of the practice.
Sally-Ann Murdock joined the practice in April 2016 as a new receptionist.
AOB
Mrs Illidge, has made a donation to the surgery for a blood pressure monitor in memory of her late husband.
Mr Jones questioned the surgery’s finances and if patients could donate money to the surgery.
Finances are primarily from the GP contact (General Medical Services) which is currently based on the practice list size i.e. a payment for each patient on the practice list. On top of this there are additional contract, for items like opening longer hours, health checks, immunisations and other services etc. Also private income from renting our rooms, training GP/Medical students, research and non-NHS work such as insurance reports.
Mr Jones asked if the money could be used for improvements to the surgery, i.e. a neon/LED screen so the doctors didn’t need to come out to the waiting room to call for patients. It was explained that the surgery used to have a tannoy system in place, but the doctors were wary of using this. Doctors also like the break between patients to have a walk and leave their rooms to call a patient. Also with the split waiting rooms wouldn’t be practical, unless two screens were in use. However the practice would install a system if the partners requested a LED system.
For donations, patients can donate money to the practice as a whole for items that will benefit patients in general e.g. Blood Pressure machines etc. However Doctors cannot accept a personal donation/gift.
Mr Halford asked about the patient questionnaire and whether this was ongoing.
The patient questionnaire is available in the waiting areas and online.
Another item raised was the ear irrigation machine aquery from a previous meeting and whether anything had been done with this.
The equipment is available and in working order via an appointment with the nurse in the treatment room.
Mrs Thomas raised an issue about the eye department at QAH. A friend who had had an appointment cancelled and re-booked several times because of the lack of consultants. She thought the doctors should be made aware of this.
Next meeting
The Highlands Practice - Thursday21st July 2016 – 12.00