MINUTES OF PPG MEETING WEDNESDAY 26th April 2023
PRESENT: Ann H (Chair), Anne W (Notes), Josie, Aileen, Sue, Jen, Dr. Butler-Reid, Ryan, Kurtis, Ben, Bev.
APOLOGIES; David.
1. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION
Ann H. welcomed everyone and informed the members that Sean has resigned.
2./3. OUTSTANDING ACTIONS/MATTERS ARISING FROM LAST MEETING
The proposal concerning allocation of appointments was considered by management. See item 6.
4. COMMENTS /SUGGESTIONS FROM PATIENTS
It was reported that most of the comments posted in the Suggestion Box were for prescription requests.
There were two comments that were very pleasant, offering praise and gratitude for help received.
5. COMMUNICATION MATTERS
The website has been updated and is much improved but it is still a work in progress.
It was found that the contract for the template is for three years and therefore will not been funded internally.
The new telephone system was explained. The number of patients queueing is no longer limited to 10. Patients can also choose to receive a “call back” rather than hang on to the line. The new system also has some problems.
6. ACCESS ISSUES
The difficulties patients experience and the issues arising concerning ease of contacting the practice were discussed at length.
The pressures that the practice are facing were described.
The shortage of GPs is responsible for much of the problem.
It was suggested that the whole situation and the difficulties being faced could be explained to patients, possibly through the Facebook page.
7. TERMS OF REFERENCE
Revised and updated Terms of Reference were presented to the group. Members invited to take them home to read. If no comments are received they will be taken as accepted.
8. STAFFING
A physiotherapist has been appointed. There will be 12 late appointments on Monday and 40 more across the week. Information to be put on the website and Facebook.
9. PPG NETWORK
Ann H. provided a comprehensive report.
Ann has spoken with Gemma from Wyre PPG and gained some useful information. She is to give a copy of her letter to local MP which Ann will share with members with a view to writing to our MP
ICB is facing National pressures.
Patient Awareness Week, May 31st – June 6th
This could be a good time to set up an event including a Listening Table.
It was agreed that this will take place on Tuesday 6th June.
A meeting of those members willing to help to plan the event is set for Wednesday May 9th
ACTION Ann to provide an agenda for this meeting.
ACTION Dr. Butler Reid to contact Debbie from the Well Being team, to ask her to provide support and resources for the Listening Table event.
10. A.O.B.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 6.15 pm.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING Wednesday 5th July 2023.
