Minutes of The Smithy Surgery PPG Meeting

27th October 2016 5.30pm @The Smithy Surgery

Attendees: David Collins, Mary Jessop, Kay Phillips, Pat Ralls, Mary Fitton, Sharon Battersby, Heather Metcalfe

Apologies: Jan Wright, Mai Spencer, Sharon France, Jeff Barlow

Sandra Stones from *Well Pharmacy

Sandra had asked to attend the meeting following the problems at the Hollinworth Pharmacy since Tony left.

Sandra has worked for *Well for 20 years. She is now in contact with the pharmacy every day, either in person or on the phone.

She is looking at the workload of the pharmacy staff. She is putting systems into place and retraining staff. She has until Christmas to complete this. She is also looking at problems with staff sickness. Sandra has appointed

a new member of staff who has just finished A levels. The pharmacy will be fully staffed at the beginning of November.

A new permanent pharmacist has accepted the Hollingworth post and will be starting on 16th January. The new pharmacist is aware of the workload.

Another problem identified is that patients expect repeat prescriptions to be ready at the chemist as soon as they have requested them. Patient expectation needs to be managed eg order repeats one week before they are due.

The PPG suggested that leaflets or posters could be produced making patients aware that enough time should be allowed for the pharmacy to process their repeat prescriptions.

Sandra has already spoken to Noshad, the Smithy pharmacist. She will attend the practice meeting on 10th Nov. when she will be able to speak to all Smithy staff.

1.  Minutes of the September Meeting

Accepted

2.  Matters Arising

Jan to report at a future meeting on the cost of electronic banner /TV messaging for the waiting room

Pat has updated the whiteboard with DNA figures supplied by Sharon F.

Action: Pat needs to know exactly what the figures are and what should be written on the board as there was a problem with the September DNAs.

For the October DNAs, the PPG requested that Sharon F to also translate the hours “lost” into equivalent GP and Nurse surgery time

The suggestions box is in progress

Sharon F has updated The Smithy website

Mary J has put up a display about the patient survey

3.  Standing Items

GP and Practice Update

Open morning surgeries have begun. More chairs have been ordered for the waiting room.

A nurse may be interested in the permanent nurse vacancy at The Smithy

Neighbourhood Groups

Glossop –Sharon will send her notes

4.  Noticeboards

Action: Pat to replace the British Lung Foundation display with one on Dementia in November.

5. Online Services

Action: Defer to next meeting when Mai should be present

6. AOB

Mary J now has work scheduled for Thursday evenings. She apologised that she will no longer be able to attend the PPG meetings, although this may change next July. David will chair future meetings.

There was discussion about attracting new members. Letters could be sent to patients.

Action: Mary J to contact local radio and local press

Next Meeting Thursday December 1st 5.30pm @ The Smithy Surgery