PRESENT: Kurtis (Chair), Anne W (Notes), Ann H, Josie, David, Aileen, Dr. A. Butler-Reid, Sean, Ryan
APOLOGIES; Ben, Sue, Jen, Krystina, Winnie, Brian, Bev.
1. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION
New member Sean, was welcomed and introduced.
Ryan, (Data IT Administrator) was in attendance.
2. OUTSTANDING ACTIONS
Medication team have started a project working with Pharmacies to remind patients to ask for their next prescription, (particularly wrt batch prescriptions). There is now a nominated person to do this. Letters are sent out to patients. This is still a work in progress.
3. MATTERS ARISING FROM LAST MEETING
Ann gave a summary of the PPG network meeting. It was very well attended and was a lively meeting.
Dave R is newly appointed on the Communications and Engagements Function of the ICB including specific responsibility for the PPG Network. He promises to be very active.
ACTION: Ann to explore Staff Abuse Toolkit and liaise with Dr Butler Reid.
Minutes of the PPG Network meeting are to be sent to members when they become available. (attached)
4. COMMENTS /SUGGESTIONS FROM PATIENTS
Sean offered an observation as a patient. He found it impossible to get a non-urgent appointment by telephone because all the available appointments had been allocated. It appears that patients present themselves at 8am at reception in order to get an appointment. The problem is intensified by the fact that there are not sufficient appointments available.
The following proposal was put forward and unanimously agreed.
“That half of the available appointments for each day should be given to telephone requests and the remaining half given to patients who present themselves in person.”
ACTION: This proposal to be sent to Management.
There have been several comments from patients posted in the box. ACTION: These are to be collated and sent out to members by email and discussed at the next meeting.
5. COMMUNICATION MATTERS
The practice website is to be replaced as it is not user friendly / fit for purpose.
The present contract has finished. New templates are expected in the Spring.
The website will now be funded internally.
In the mean-time Ryan is to make some adjustments.
6. REVIEW OF TERMS OF REFERENCE
ACTION: Bev to make amendments and bring copies to the next meeting for members to sign.
7. STAFFING
There is a serious shortage of GP’s across the Fylde.
Dr Palmer is to leave to take up a new role at Trinity Hospice (Dr. Mechanical has now left.)
Advertisement for a salaried GP has not brought any applicants.
This is a training practice for GPs but there has been no evidence of retention.
Considerable support given to current staff and the need to ensure a safe work load is uppermost.
Patient numbers at this practice have been increased due the imminent retirement of the only GP in a local practice.
The Physician Associate is now in place and working very well.
The new Nurse Practitioner is in place and working very well.
A new pharmacist started December and this is going well.
There will be 4 Partners after Dr. Palmer leaves and 2 salaried GPs
Dr. B. Butler-Reid and Dr. Kotha are providing locum support.
There are 3 nurses and 2 Health Care assistants.
8. A.O.B
There being no other business the meeting closed at 6.30 pm
Date of next meeting 19th April 2023
