PPG Minutes

 

Wed 26th July 2023: Padiham Town Hall

Present:

  • Peter Frazer: PPG Chair
  • Des McEvoy: Practice Manager
  • Katy Gibb: Office Manager
  • Tracy Gaskell: Secretary
  • Patients: 19
 

Introduction and Welcome

PF introduced as new chair for PPG.  Spoke about background as to how he had taken the position after attending PPG meeting and agreed to accept the role to facilitate patients and practice.

PPG Agenda Items/Minutes 

 

Practice Manager Updates

Agreed to dedicate email address for all matters.  This can be found on the website (PPG part).  IT have developed online form which can also be found on PPG website.  This will submit automatically. 

Discussed time of meetings, agenda, minutes: These will be published on the website.  People who are unable to attend can include their concerns, suggestions, location of meetings, etc via this page.  It was agreed that the suggestion box in the main reception area will be kept.  It was agreed that meetings to be kept at 4 per year, avoiding school holidays.

Patient concern that posters advertising the access to PPG weren’t displayed in the Library, Tesco or Doctors Surgery.  It was suggested that leaflets to be handed out by Nurse/GP, text.  To be discussed and decided before next meeting.

 

1. Staff Update
There are now 10 GPs (5 salaried) which has made a huge difference.  It is also fully staffed with regards to nurses and also Health Care Assistants.  This allows the practice to work to full capacity and offer more appointment availability.  

The workflow (clinic letters and discharge letters) have increased substantially therefore a full time administrator has joined the team to help with the workflow and keep up to date.   Test results will be reinstated with the Administration Department around September, once all workflow documents are in order.

2. Building Work
Two new consulting rooms have been built allowing all GPs to have their own consulting rooms.

3. Extended Access
The aim of the practice is to do some extended access at the medical centre. More details to follow once known.

4. Patient Partner
Patient Partner is a brand-new service.  It does two things.

  • Virtual reception allows patients to ring the surgery at any time of the day/night to book an appointment.  The benefit of this access is available 24/7 and allows patients to choose a Doctor, Nurse or HCA appointment.  
  • The service is also available to order repeat prescriptions as all details are linked to the surgery’s system.  Again, the benefits of this is that patients aren’t waiting on the telephone in large queues.  There is however the option to speak with a receptionist should a patient wish to do so.  
 

Time and Date of Next Meeting

Wed 1st November 2023 at 1pm

Typed: 31st July 2023. Tracy Gaskell - Secretary