April 23, 2024

Minutes

Attendees:

MI (Dr Michael Ince)

LW (Leanne Williams)

JM – PPG Chair

Welcome/Introductions and apologies: JM welcomed new member IB to the group and informed all that (VR), (JC) and (TB) all send their apologies. JM highlighted that IB will require a lanyard.

Approval of minutes from last meeting: Approved, no amendments required.

Actions of minutes from last meeting:

· Surgery logo: LW confirmed JC has emailed over the new template she has kindly designed which is ready for the practice to upload onto their letterhead.

· Previous PPG Minutes: LW confirmed all minutes from 2023 are available on the practice website for patients/members of the public to access.

· Privacy screen for waiting room: LW updated all that the screens have been ordered and we are awaiting delivery. The reason for the delay is that we need to ensure we are adhering to infection control guidelines and a lot of screens were fabric. Discussion had re what signage to use, all agreed ‘Privacy Screen’.

Updates from practice:

· Update from Dr Ince regarding next 12 months ahead: MI updated all on how we may see a change within GP practices over the next 6 -12months. MI informed all that GPs across England had voted to reject the contract changes in BMA referendum. The contract changes which were imposed by the Government and NHS England from the 1st April 2024, include a national practice contract baseline funding uplift of just 1.9% for England’s general practices, which is way below inflation in recent years, meaning many practices may struggle to stay financially viable over the next six to 12 months. There is no action required from the PPG at the present time however, MI wanted to make the PPG aware.

· Capacity and Access workshops: MI and LW attended three workshops between December and March, alongside other practices to gain knowledge of how we may improve capacity and access at the practice. MI and LW advised that they found the workshops incredibly beneficial and have already made positive changes as per below:

1. Promoting NHS App which will enable patients to access test results, request repeat medication at a time convenient for them and free up access via the telephone

2. Send self-booking links via a text messaging service (AccuRx) to enable patients to book appointments directly in to the appointment book.

3. Providing longer appointments/continuity of care for patients who have been identified as requiring this service.

JM informed all that he was pleased to see that Hawthorns had taken part in the training and this was also discussed at the East Surrey PPG online meeting he attended on 7th March.

Next steps will be ordering a screen for the waiting room with information/updates for patients.

· Spring Covid Booster: LW informed all that as a PCN, we have decided we will not be offering the COVID spring booster vaccine. We are currently awaiting further information on where we can divert patients to. JM asked how this will be communicated to patients and LW advised it will be added to the practice website and in the waiting area.

Action Required: LW

· Internal improvements: LW updated all that due to the Lloyd George digitisation, we hope to convert the free space in to a meeting room. We have also received partial funding from NHSE to replace the flooring in CR3, reception and sluice.

· Recruitment: LW updated all that we have recently recruited a new PSA which now takes us to a full reception team. Recruitment for an Ops Manager is still ongoing. JM asked if Dr Fanous had now returned from maternity leave, LW confirmed she had.

· PPG Contact Details: JM asked whether we could have a dedicated email account for patients to contact the PPG. LW advised she will liaise with other practice’s and see if they have anything similar and revert back to the group.

Action Required: LW

Date of Next meeting: Wednesday 31st July at 6pm.