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PPG Minutes
Wed 1st July 2026 - 6pm: Padiham Town Hall
Present:
- Joanne Howard: Practice Manager
- Dr Narayana: Practice Partner
- Kim Lowes: Admin
- Patients: 9
Introduction and Welcome
Jo welcomed everyone.
Chair Peter Frazer and 1 patient sen their apologies
Minutes From Last Meeting
No matters arising
Practice Manager Updates
Recruitment - JH explained that the practice has finally managed to recruit an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP), her name is Sadie, she works with us five days a week and is a fantastic addition to the team.
Carers Project - 461 carers had been identified at the Practice, 423 of them had been contacted and asked to complete a form to update their carer status with the practice. The practice has had 110 replies at present. A member of staff is currently going through the list and updating our records. Moving forward a carers form will be included in the registration documentation, the form will be placed on the website and the PCN team will discuss with any patients at their initial consultations.
PCN team - A patient mentioned that the Burnley West Well-being Team were wonderful and very knowledgeable.
JH explained the role of the PCN wellbeing team and that the main role is to help with social issues such as benefits, which takes the pressure off the Practice. The team consists of approximately 15 people.
Practice Feedback - Two patients who had just joined the Practice mentioned that they thought the Practice was wonderful compared to their previous surgery which they had been patients of for 54 years.
Online Triage - was discussed next and JH mentioned that there had been some contract changes and now the triage had to be open till 6.30. Initially when we set up the triage, we did it slightly different and used the medical aspect for on the day demand and capped the numbers. However, since the beginning of May we have changed it and now the medical aspect is open until 6.30 pm for all requests (same day and routine). JH explained it seems to be working well although the administration burden on reception staff is quite excessive.
JH explained that Monday is the busiest day, although it seems to ease towards the end of the week. The GP triages and decided what the next steps are for the patient such as urgent, routine, pharmacy etc. Since the introduction the practice has seen a dramatic reduction in the number of phone calls, although they are still high on Mondays.
CJN explained that the practice has been using questionnaires if more information is needed from the patient about symptoms. The receptionist will send the questionnaire for completion and once returned it is then sent to the GP to triage.
JH also mentioned that the staff are there to help anyone finding it difficult to use the triage system and any patients not using online or computers.
A patient asked about the GP app and access? JH said that the practice has no control over any of the apps all we do is link it in our system and provide the necessary information for the patient to set this up.
A patient advised the last minutes were not on the website. JH said she would investigate this.
Time and Date of Next Meeting
Wednesday 7th October at 1pm.