MINUTES OF CASTLE HEALTHCARE PPG MEETING MARCH 6 2018

PRESENT – Robert, Coleen, Rachel, Ann, Peter, Barbara, Alan, Terry, Dave Pratt, David Donoven, David Luce, Sue Green

APOLOGIES - Karen, Linda, Louise, Renna, Gail

IN ATTENDANCE – Dr Griffiths

1. Minutes agreed. Matters arising;

  • Newsletter – suggested topics are the results of our survey and a reminder of the on-line system. The communications sub group to support the next edition.
  • Virtual Group- now stands at 99. No issues to report.
  • Constitution – a couple of points agreed which will finalise the up-date. Alan will also adapt an application form used by Trent Bridge for discussion at the next meeting.
  • Survey – both the Practice survey & ours are overwhelmingly positive. It was noted that the PPG survey was more demographically representative than that of the Practice which was distributed almost entirely at flu clinics. Sue agreed to feed this back to the Executive.David Donoven has now analysed the bulk of our forms, approximately 200, a very small sample. He, with Barbara’s support, will write a final report to be passed on to the Practice. Responses showed ignorance of the website (and the appointment system) & the weekend service. Questions arose re how negative comments will be followed up by the Practice. Dr Griffiths confirmed that the anticipated CQC visit will involve showing both surveys as well many other sources so a wide demography will be represented. The Practice is working on a 20min loop on the TVs which will give both Practice & public health information. The new public wi-fi system may also be used. Further the Instinct Laboratory (the new office on Wilford Lane that examines behaviour in public buildings) has now surveyed & reported on Embankment. Dr G will bring this report to our next meeting.
  • Communication/ Ways of Working – no feedback yet re our suggestion of a one-off text informing patients of both on-line registration & w.e. services. Sue confirmed that the Practice has a target of 50% on-line registration by the end of March & they are presently about 1800 short so the info. is brought up on as many patient interactions as possible. A one- off sheet of paper (or small, folded card?) stating key pieces of info. is still considered a good idea & it was agreed that the new communications sub-group should meet before our next meeting & work on such suggestions. Barbara had been to speak briefly at the last Practice Staff Training & was able to give a brief outline of the PPG’s role & the need for two-way communication as well as the initial survey results. We agreed that we would be happy to attend any future training when appropriate.
  • PPG Conference – is on June 7 at the Arena from 10 a.m.- 2p.m. We can send 4 reps. Karen & Coleen have agreed to go, Barbara & Alan will attend if no one else volunteers.
  • Ann expressed our continuing concern re the increased patient demand probable as a result of new house and care home building. Dr Griffiths reassured us that their CCG contract allows for a range of numbers &, should these be exceeded, action would be taken to change the contract.

2. Open Meeting- discussion led to the following decisions;

  • To be held on June 5 (providing the room is free) from 6 – 7.45 with refreshments from 5.30 p.m.
  • Dr Griffiths is happy to take part & will request another interested GP joins him
  • Topics should cover feedback on our survey. Also an update on current NHS systems, such as the Integrated Care System, to give the context in which the Practice is working as well as the full picture of Castle’s work & systems
  • Call for interest in joining the PPG
  • Time for discussion, probably in groups.

3. Complaints – the Practice now has a duty to give monthly reports on any complaints to the PPG. There were none in January. Sue Green gave a verbal report on February’s Friends & Family results which were as ever very small; 13 responses indicated 11 were extremely likely to recommend the Practice, 1 likely to and 1 unlikely to. NHS Choices feedback is also quite positive at present. Dr Griffiths commented that the Practice seems to have bedded down & most patients now understand its working practices.

4. CCG Feedback – no meetings since the last feedback but there is a joint Patient Cabinet & Active group meeting on March 12.

5. A.O.B. –

  • Bus Service – there is some evidence that this service isn’t widely known about plus criticism of it in our survey. This could be yet another item for the new communications sub-group.
  • Robert wondered whether we could all use WhatsApp. for communication between meetings to avoid long email threads but there wasn’t general support.
  • Some members had been leafleted about electronic prescriptions & home delivery but Alan was concerned that this could encourage wastage.
  • David D requested any suggestions re the analysis of the report should be sent to him.
  • Dr Griffiths was interested in the extent of our contact with other CCGs.

Date of next meeting – April 3 at 5.45 p.m.