ALREWAS SURGERY

PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP MEETING

Monday, 17th November 2014 at 12.45 pm

Present:
David Greatrex, David Kenton, Helen Newman (Alrewas WI), Jan Herriott from 1.05 pm, Janette Potter, Kate Roberts, Lorna Lewis, Mark Lodge (Chair), Matt Heward (West Midlands Ambulance Service), Paula Dumolo from 1.10 pm, Ralph Seville (Neighbourhood Watch), Sonia Senior, Sue Hughes & Will Chapman / Action Points
Apologies:
Jan Mager-Jones, Julia Jones & Nancy Suffield
Welcome & Previous Minutes:
All were welcomed, followed by short introductions for visitors and new member Lorna.
The minutes from the previous meeting were agreed. The next step in helping to reduce unplanned hospital admissions is to look back at how frequently people are visiting A&E.
Feedback from the District Meeting:
·  DK raised the issue of the proposals for delivery of services for this region. He has asked to speak to Tony Bruce to find out which services will be contracted out to the 2 preferred bidders. There will be a standard tendering process for certain services including the care of people with long term conditions.
·  Sonia suggested looking up ‘Improving Lives’ on the East Staffs CCG website for more information.
Defibrillators:
Janette told the group that her interest in obtaining defibrillators for the village started after finding out that there are 5 in the village where her son lives.
Matt Heward, Community Response Manager explained that community defibs need to be a perpetual lifelong project and the responsibility of a community group. The recommendation is for defibs to be located every 2 minutes in key locations around the village, with laminated location maps to inform people of their whereabouts.
Community defibs are easy and safe to use by someone with no training. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in a bright yellow cabinet with a key code obtained by ringing 999. This ensures that an ambulance is on its way and the operator can help by giving instructions. The information from the machine, including cardiac arrest rhythm can be downloaded to assist the Stroke Team.
The cabinets, which must have the word defib on them, are long life stainless steel boxes with an industrial key code. They are screwed onto the side of a building, with an electric cable from the building into the box to keep the temperature above freezing. The cabinets do not tend to be stolen and there is no experience of vandalism to the cabinets in Staffordshire.
Defibs vary in cost and if eligible, it may be possible to get one with a grant from the British Heart Foundation. There are several models of machines, with Matt recommending the iPAD SP1 from World Medical for £1,295 + VAT. The Ambulance Service provide support and advice on the best model and with support from the British Heart Foundation, can work with the supplier to negotiate the best price.
Defib pads last 2 years and cost around £30. The battery costs £120 and lasts 5 years or 2000 shocks. Other costs include the purchase of the cabinet and installation costs, which could be covered by sponsorship. Depending on budget changes, the Ambulance Service may also be able to help with replacing the battery and pads.
Community defibrillators not only save lives, but have an impact on the quality of life after a heart attack. Brain injuries are reduced, along with the need for intensive and long term care.
There is currently a good response network in Staffordshire with help arriving in 10 minutes. Research has shown that survival rates drop by 10% every minute in cardiac arrest.
HeartStart Staffordshire offers free training of lifesaving skills by volunteers to raise awareness in the community and give people the confidence to have a go. Rhythmic cardiac compressions are good at buying time, being 30% as effective as a normal heart beat.
Matt turned on the iPAD SP1 (Intelligent Public Access Defib) to demonstrate how easy it is to use. Voice prompts provide instructions and will only shock after checking the heart rhythm, if a shock is needed. With the paediatric mode, the setting can be switched between adult and child without the need for different pads. The defib has a 7 year warranty and self checks daily.
It was agreed that a sub group would be set up to go through the finer details and raise funds.
Healthwatch & the Surgery Action Plan:
These 2 items would be carried forward to the next meeting.
AOB:
David G asked for the contact list to be updated with group members’ telephone numbers.
Next meeting:
The meeting dates for 2015 were handed out to the group, with the next meeting to be held on Thursday 29th January at 5:30pm at the Methodist Church.
The meeting closed at 2:15pm.