The Castle Mead and Stoke Golding Action Group
Minutes – Thursday 3rd February 2011
1. Present: Bernard Arnold; Andrew Clover; Rachel Davies; Ray Dockrell; Jenny & Barrie McAllister; Kirsten Milner; Judith Montgomery; Brian Packer; Julia Patterson; Ray Pettitt; Peter Summers; Phill Wholton
2. Apologies: Kay Aram; Helen Copeland; Alison Ellis; Beth Ellis; Derrick Harwood; David Miller; Ann Swan; Kerry Rotherham;
3. PCT Dispensing & ‘rurality’ issue
a. Julia & Ray explained the threat & possible time frame implicated in the county wide dispensing in Dr’s Surgeries. PCT define ‘rurality’ and claim Stoke Golding is not rural but town fringe. Because of this definition the PCT can threaten to stop the surgery dispensing to all patients who live in SG – these patients will have to travel to a pharmacy to collect their medication. We will have 60 days to appeal. The PCT state that approx. 13% people don’t have a car in SG and the village is more than 30 minute’s walk away from chemists. Dispensing generates income. Without the dispensing facility the branch surgery would run at deficit so surgery would not be viable. Applications for funding have been made to develop surgery because of increase in population in near future. Local Medical Committee (LMC) will fight to support dispensing in the surgeries. ‘Map of Rurality’ defines SG as Town fringe.
b. Suggestions for appeal:
1. Contact the local Parish Council implicated and request a letter of support (Stoke Golding, Peckleton, Sutton Cheney and Dadlington, Fenny Drayton PCs) We need to demonstrate transport difficulties in walking to Barwell, ASDA Hinckley and Hollycroft to access the nearest dispensing chemists. We need to note the restrictions in rural bus services. Attend next parish council meetings Bernard to see Chairman of Stoke Golding PC. Difficulties in travelling for those with illness, single parents, disability, housebound patients. Effect of extended hours when pharmacies are shut.
2. Local MP David Tredinnick
3. Petitions – who to write it, where to go, Link through CMMC website. Heritage group very active in Stoke Golding, could be a useful ally to raise support through the village. Contact PTA at schools, Post Office, local Church, local shop, playgroups etc
4. Letters of support - letter template in addition to bullet point suggestions for inclusion in a letter composed by individuals. Copies could be collected at the surgery and be sent in en masse for impact.
5. Posters round village saying where petition could be signed and to highlight the threat to services.
6. Local press – involve later possibly with David Tredinnick
7. Newsletter & The Stoker articles to go in as soon as possible – Andrew Clover to pass on information
8. Other suggestions include getting it on Radio Castlemead, Radio Leicester
9. Open Meeting at local hall for the general public when notice has been served
4. Change in computer system update go live 10th Feb only urgent appointments possible
5. Easter art competition - donations of prizes for the 2 hampers, one for SG one for CMMC. Knitted Bunnies, easter eggs, hair products, bouquet from Bluebells of Brookside, free passes for Sketchley Grange health & leisure centre ‘Romans’, Woodlands vouchers, facial from beauty salon. Well Done Kirsten – any other suggestions/donations.
6. Dementia health session - 11th June 2011 – 10am – Written report of progress from Helen: “In regards to Dementia UK, its been a bit slow as the lady (Laura) I've been dealing with in development only works part time. The speaker is called Kate Read although when I confirmed the date of 11th June, Laura said Kate mightfind ita bit tricky. If she wasn't able todo it, then someone else would be made available. Chased again 10 days ago and Laura has now given me Kate's email address - I can either drop Kate an email or as I know Julia wanted to check what information was available so talks could be angled, I could leave it with Julia? I've spoken with Carole Lenton from Carers Development Project and sheis happyto be involved. She also mentioned Samantha Stewart who runs a support/memory group for people with early onset dementia at Leicester General. I am happy to contact her direct to see if she'd like to come to the info day.”
7. Suggestions boxes
1. Stoke Golding – Single mother with no transport had to get unwell son to surgery in taxi because a home visit not possible. The Doctors encourage patients to attend surgery because there are better facilities and it takes too long to make one home visit in comparison with the number of patients who can be seen in the surgery itself. Julia to acknowledge the comment.
2. Castle Mead –none
8. Newsletter 9 – draft done but will need updating in view of the above.
9. Next meeting: Thursday 3rd March 2011 6:15pm Castle Mead Phill Wholton to chair
CASAG Agenda – 3/2/2011