Heathfielde Patient Participation Group

1

DRAFT

Heathfielde Patient Participation Group

Minutes of Meeting No. 4 held at Heathfielde on Tuesday 19 June 2012

Present: Dr. L. Anderson – Heathfielde

Dr Patrick McDaid - Heathfielde

Allan Blacher – PPG

Stewart Block – PPG

Derek Miles - PPG

Dr N. Roback – PPG

Apologies:Gillian Jordan - PPG

Irris Singer – PPG

Alex Pinnick - PPG

Mr H K Patel (Bishops Pharmacy)

Rajesh Singh (Raj) – Heathfielde

1. Introductions

Mutual introductions were made between the PPG members and are new GP Partner, Dr Patrick McDaid who was welcomed on behalf of all Heathfielde patients.

1. Minutes of Last Meeting:

Approved

1. Matters Arising

The following matters not on the agenda were discussed:

Disabled Access: Funding for the necessary repairs and building alterations might be available from the PCT. Position will be reviewed after their visit and imminent publication of the CQC (Care Quality Commision) Guidelines.

Action: Raj to keep PPG updated when guidelines appear.

Staff Training: Dr Anderson reported Raj’s view that this is not a PPG matter and noted that free NVQ training might be available for staff. It was noted that the effects of absence of training might be a PPG matter.

Repeat Prescriptions: It was confirmed that repeated ‘scripts will be ready within 48 hours and that pharmacists can offer a 3/5 supply. Online repeats will be available via the new web site.

Notice Board:It was noted that the various notice boards seemed to be somewhat clearer. PPG asked if they could have a dedicated space on the notice board so that PGG information could be seen in a consistent space.

Action: Dr Anderson to report back to Raj

Web Site: There was a lively debate about the new web site, who would be providing it and testing. It was pointed out that it is common commercial practice to test new web sites using a β-test site with a select user group and monitor feedback before going live.

Action: Dr Anderson to report back to Raj the PPG group’s suggestions.

The meeting also discussed the new appointments system and its availability on the new web site. Urgent cases (as well as certain other categories, children, elderly etc) would be seen immediately but there appeared to be no definition of “urgent” – it being at the discretion of the patient and/or receptionist.

Dr Andersom noted that the new appointments system seemed to be working well.

1. The Medicines Budget

Dr Anderson said that the note produced by Allan Blatcher was welcomed and approved by the Partners. Raj was proposing to trial it for one month. In discussion it was agreed that one month is too short a time , the meeting was not sure why just one month was chosen, the distribution channels needed to be clear and also the means of assessing its effectiveness. Allan Blatcher would modify the PPG heading as discussed, it would be sent to Raj and a copy put on the PPG notice board.

Action: Allan Blatcher to send final version to Stewart Block for onward transmission to Raj. Dr Anderson to report back to Raj and ask for a copy to be put on the PPG notice board

The meeting also discussed the possibility of pharmacists supplying, at an extra cost paid for by the patient, a branded drug in place of the prescribed, cheaper, generic drug. During the course of the discussion it was explained to the group that route, practical as it seemed, is not legally available.

1. Barnet LINk

Stewart Block said that he had recently joined Barnet LINk (Local Involvement Network, Health & Social Care) noting that its Chair is PPG member Gillian Jordan.

He had been on a course to be a “mystery shopper” for the NHS. The training had been thorough and there may be, in due course, suggestions that could be brought to the PPG. He had also attended a meeting about a recent GP survey in Barnet concerning routine and emergency appointments and hoped to bring the final results to the PPG.

1. AOB

1. It was suggested that a representative from the nursing staff and from the reception staff be invite to join the PPG. In discussion it was noted that this would not be paid, but voluntary time, and it was reported that Raj felt that he represented the views of these groups.

Action: Dr Anderson to make known to Raj the PPG offer.

2. E-addresses for the following PPG members to be checked – e-mails sent to their supposed addresses are being “bounced back”; Mary Whitings, Mr and Mrs Levi.

3. An e-mail from Irris Singer was circulated to PPG concerning the PPG’s role in NHS policy matters vis a vis policy implementation. No comments had yet been received

1. Date of Next Meeting

6.30pm, at Heathfielde on either Tuesday 11 September 2012 or Tuesday 2 October 2012.

Action: Dr Anderson/Dr McDaid to review their diaries and confirm one of these dates.