Derwent Surgery
Patient Participation Group MeetingMonday 16th March 2015, 6-7pm
In attendance
DJ, PC,SM, LV, JMcG,AM, FH, SHR (Practice Manager), KV(Administrator- Derwent Surgery)
Apologies received from TA
RB(Sub-locallity Commissioning Lead- Allerdale) from Cumbria Commissioning Group(CCG) attended to answer any questions regarding services to be provided from the Cockermouth Health Centre.
CCG Services/ Building update- RB
The CCG are awaiting approval of the specification for ultra sound equipment that can be used in the building by the Acute Trust. This would allow the transfer of one clinic from West/ Carlisle to be ran from Cockermouth.
There are now specialist GP clinics running 2-3 days a month in Cockermouth, the clinics are dermatology/ ophthalmology/ minor surgery(carpal tunnel/ excisions) that are open to patients from Cockermouth and also externally.
The CCG continue to show potential new providers around the building but at this current stage no further developments.
Work to update the power socket for the MRI van visits is still ongoing and shouldbe completed over the next few months. The visit from the MRI van will be in addition to the service provided at Whitehaven.
SHR & RB updated the group with news of an upcoming project for the Cockermouth locality. The project would potential provide community nurse preventative work for the over 75’s. The service would provide rehabilitation and step down facility to reduce the number of re-admissions to hospital. GP’s are currently looking at the history of re-admissions to establish if there is a pattern. For example night time, OOH or via CHOC. What services are available and to set targets for the service.An update will be given at the next meeting.
RB informed the group that funding had been secured for a further 12 months for the ECG/ Blood Pressure monitoring service available at the Pharmacy.
Maternity cover arrangements
SHR updated the group on the arrangements for her upcoming maternity leave. She will leave at the end of the month with Joanne Smith, Practice Manager at Bank Street practice in Keswick providing part time cover, working alongside Nicola Clark.
Action Plan 2014/ 2015
The group discussed the PPG Action Plan for 2014/2015 that was distributed prior to the meeting, the group were happy with the plan. The only point raised was the distribution of the practice newsletter and if there were further options to distributed to a wider audience. We will enquire to local shops, businesses and library in the town.A link is available from our website to download a PDF copy of the newsletter and patients can sign up to receive the newsletter electronically via our website homepage.
Friends and Family Survey
SHR gave the group the results from the friends and family surveys from January and February. The group asked if the survey box could be made more visible and if the GP/ Nurses could prompt patients as they left their appointment.
DNA’s
The number of DNA’s in January and February has reduced from this time last year, which is encouraging. SHR explained reminder calls are made to patients who are booked in for a 30 minute appointment to remind them of their appointment. We are continuing to collect patient mobile numbers to allow a text message reminder, DNA figures displayed on posters in the waiting area, on the CODA screen and the website. We will continue to monitor the figures each month.
Extended hours
SHR discussed looking at funding available to provide extended hours outside of core practice hours. This could allow some extra HCA appointments and GP hours later in the evening. The group felt any addition to opening hours would be of benefit to the patients.
HCA and nurses continue training to upskill and offer a wider range of services to our patients. Sophie is currently working towards her prescribing qualification that will also help with GP capacity.
Date of next meeting- Monday 18th May 2015, 6pm -7pm