Minutes of W.H.M.C.Patients Group – Wed June 11th
Attending: Pat Woodward, Brian Woodward, David Cox, Helena Chapman, Val Smith, Daryl Martinson, Anthony Smith, June Hartley, Lynsay Miles, Stuart Densley, Elizabeth Gibbons, Richard Page ( practice manager)
Apologies: Eliott Martinson
- Alison and Debbie from the Medicine Management team,who provide support to practices regarding medications and prescribing , explained about their role in working with practices and patient groups to educate about drug wastage and to see how this might be reduced. In the East Midlands alone, there is a wastage of £30m a year. There is currently a big campaign for those ordering repeat prescriptions –“only order what you need”. The group were surprised to hear how many people stockpile medications – sometimes continuing to order monthly when they no longer take or need them, or throughthe misunderstanding that “as and when “ medications need to be ordered monthly to keep them on repeat lists. It was explained that no medications can be reissued once given to a patient – even if unopened - because the suitable storage conditions after they leave a pharmacy cannot be guaranteed.
Discussions covered: empowering patients to tell GPs when they are unhappy with their medications or have stopped taking them; regular monitoring of medications by GPs and nurses ( eg of patients at chronic conditions clinics – where they might also be given the current leaflet)– also by community pharmacists who may get to know their “regulars” well – to ensure the repeat ordering is not excessive for their needs. In some cases, it was asked if it might be possible for repeat ordering to cover all of a patients requirements at the same time if they were on standard doses – ie to be synchronised on a monthly basis.
An analysis of drugs dispensed and frequency is possible as it all being digitally recorded – this allows for a regional overview.
2.Two further developments - again related to the need to use NHS resources most effectively – were briefly outlined to the group.
“Chose well” – this campaign aims to educate the public about selecting the most appropriate service for a patients needs – from self care through to A and E.
“Patient online” – this includes online appts (already available here); Electronic prescription service – whereby a GP sends prescriptions electronically to a pharmacy of the patients choosing; access to (a summary of) a patient’s medical records. The intention nationally is that all these will be in place by April 2015.
Chairs of Patients Group meetings : June mentioned some of the key aims of this newly formed group she attends – this gives a chance to share ideas, good practice and any concerns that may apply across medical centres. One issue – again relating to most effective use of the time of medical staff was missed appointments – which the chairs group felt was a matter to focus on with practice managers. This topic was briefly discussed – Richard explained that the highest non attendance is by those with periodic checks with nurses; also that the serious non attenders were dealt with on an individual basis
Sending reminder texts to patients with mobile numbers was now the practice here which is a good reminder– unfortunately phoning patients personally was not a realistic option as it would be so time consuming.
Appointments: there continues to be an ever increasing demand.
Richard explained the new staffing arrangements - now salaried GPs rather than locums, so this is a welcome situation. Discussion covered the possibility of more than one child with minor medical issues being seen in one appt – rather than separate appts for each child
Also could a reminder note for the next appt go with a repeat prescription?The possibility of a phone queueing system was again raised -Action:Richard to consult medical staff for each of these
Building/ facilities. Staff photos – still under discussion as some staff feel uncomfortable with this
New higher chair in waiting area – excellent - thank you!
Door – still of concern to patients – especially with limited mobility or with pushchairs. Query whether the situation complies with Disability Discrimination Act. A suggestion was made whether a replacement sliding door (costly) could be sponsored by a firm – we were not sure whether this was acceptable within the NHSAction : Richard to enquire
Outside lights – all in order + downlighter. It is not considered a good thing to have a permanent light over the car park areas as this would encourage inappropriate night time use – eg as a football pitch!
Next meeting on Wednesday September 10th 6.30-8.00p.m.