DUNCAN STREET
PRIMARY CARE CENTRE
Duncan Street Blakenhall Wolverhampton WV2 3AN
Telephone: 01902 459076 Fax: 01902 455309
E-mail: (Incoming only)
Website: www.duncanstreetprimarycarecentre.co.uk
Dr Barbara Noble Dr Amjad Khan Dr Saumya Agarwal
Dr Sarbjit Saini
Welcome to Duncan Street Primary Care Centre Patient Reference Group
On Friday 27th January 2012 Duncan Street Primary Care Centre held another Patient Reference Group meeting. This took place at the surgery between 12.45pm – 2.00pm
In attendance were the following people:
Mr. & Mrs. Whyman
Mrs. H Gooding
Ms Helen Atwell
Ms K O’Brien
Mr. C Randles
Dr Khan GP Partner and Jacqui Squire practice Manager also attended
Dr Khan opened the meeting and welcomed those who had taken the time to attend the meeting. It was very much appreciated. A copy of the Practice booklet and draft Constitution was distributed. Dr Khan explained the reason in trying to formulate a PRG
Questions raised from the group were:
Question 1 - Trainee Doctors – What level are they and what do they specialize in? Are they qualified to see extremely ill patients?
Dr Khan confirmed that the trainees we have are fully qualified doctors and that they are fully supervised by a GP Partner. Dr Khan explained the process of training and how supervision is covered and how often the surgery has a changeover in trainees. He confirmed supervision is very strict at the practice. A trainee cannot refer a patient, encourage any investigations or send patients for x-rays unless they have discussed this fully with the Dr on-call that particular day. All complex issues are also discussed with their trainer. They have assessments and the trainer has to complete a questionnaire and provide supporting evidence. He also explained the advantages of the GP partners having interests elsewhere in training outside the practice. He confirmed we were going to advertise for another GP salaried doctor to start with the practice in August 2012.
The group confirmed that they felt all the doctors and staff were very good in the Practice and that trainees had to be given a chance.
Question 2 – The appointment system how does it work?
Dr Khan explained that we have appointments that are bookable in advance and that they are staggered release. We also have same day appointments available.
Question 3 - would we consider expanding the practice?
Dr Khan explained that the average list size per GP is 2000. We have approximately 9000 patients equivalent to 4 ½ whole time equivalent GP’s and 2 nurse Practitioners. The surgery cannot just expand. Each surgery has a budget.
Question 4- Diabetics cost practices money what about the future, especially dispensing every month? Why can’t 2 months be dispensed instead of one?
Dr Khan confirmed that yes there is a cost but the surgery prescribes on clinical needs not on cost. We have a formulary to follow by the PCT that we have agreed to. Most patients are on 2 monthly prescriptions. Some nursing homes prefer one month due to keeping medication in stock cupboards. GP’s can spend up to 2hours per day just signing prescriptions. The department of health advice is to offer 2 months prescriptions. The GPs’ do the majority of the prescriptions the trainees would have to consult before issuing.
Question 5. Why cannot some patient self medicate as attending the surgery can be a waste of time?
Dr Khan confirmed from quality control point of view it was best to attend. Also to confirm that some home machines were accurate and data for our records. It was a safer for us to check at the surgery medication etc.
The group felt that it was good that the information on the prescriptions confirmed when the medication was last used.
Dr Khan confirmed that our computer tells us date when the last prescription was issued and it helps us keep an eye on things and for the patients benefit.
Question 6. What will happen when the PCT finish in April 2013?
Dr Khan confirmed that most things will just transfer to the consortia he then explained the process of GP Re-licensing and how evidence is kept up to date, patient surveys, courses and new drug information. All of these have to be attained for re-licensing a GP every 5 years
Further discussion followed:
Arranging of meetings- The group felt that this should be two in the daytime and two in the evening throughout the year. These to be arranged on a Friday for the moment and on a monthly basis and the surgery would welcome more members.
A black line to be placed in the waiting room for confidentiality in standing at the desk
Classical music to be played in the waiting room or a radio with Classic FM
An electronic sign for patients and directing them to rooms was discussed but thought that the current system worked ok.
Photographs with names of Doctors especially the trainees as patients are unsure if the name is female or male when booking an appointment
Notices to be displayed in different languages – Although it was agreed that it was impossible to cover every language for every notice
It was agreed that the minutes would be posted onto the website and a copy to be displayed in the waiting room.
The surgery requested if any of the group was aware of anyone that could come in a do some training in customer service for the staff as this is something we would like to do.
JS confirmed that all the staff are completing NVQ’s with a strong element of Customer service within the course. It was also comment by the group that 99.9% of the staff are very welcoming and do a good job with the patients.
Agenda Items for discussion at the next meeting:
· Patient Reference Group Constitution
· Duncan Street Primary Care centre – Website
Date of Next Meeting
A further meeting has been arranged Friday 16th March 2012, 12.30pm – 1.30pm