The Wellington Health Centre

Patients Participation Group

Notes of Meeting 15 January 2013

Present

John Buchanan

Carole Challen

John Darley

Peter Hodes

David Hogarth

Salene Kumar (Dr) Seymour Popeck

Patricia Rawlinson

Apologies

Jane Moss Angela StaffordRuth Starr

Monty Moss

1.Peter Hodes as Chairman welcomed all and in particular Dr Salene Kumar who was representing the practice doctors for the first time.

2.The Chairman then presented his report for the last year which is reproduced below.

“Firstly, on behalf of the Committee I want congratulate Dr Saral Anand on the birth of a boy.

Once again I wish to thank all those who have been members of the committee.

Once again, too, I want to thank John who has been the mainstay of the Committee, has provided brilliant minutes and given me great support.

And my thanks to Carole with whom I have had the most harmonious relationship. I don’t know how other practices relate to their PPGs, but at WHC it is always with great good humour and congeniality. Thank you, Alla for disseminating information about the PPG to the patients.

It was decided that I would not attend the annual NAPP conference as I felt that I had derived very little from the previous year’s meeting. However we continue to remain a member of the organisation and have renewed our membership for the current year.

As per last year I have attended a number of sessions at the Practice to introduce the PPG to patients. In this regard I want to say a special thank you to Angela who assisted me in this quest. I found that most patients did not know of the existence of the PPG and did not show any deep need for the existence of the Committee as they felt that the Practice is well run and they had no complaints or suggestions as to how it could be improved.

As in 2011, not one patient contacted the PPG by email or wrote to the committee concerning any problems or issues. This is either is because of apathy or because the practice satisfies the needs of the patients.

I continue to believe that there is a purpose for the PPG at the Wellington Health Centre. In my opinion this is an excellent practice and maybe a future role for the PPG is to ensure that it remains at the cutting edge of the best practices in our PCT. Currently on the NHS Choices website the Practice has four stars and the highest rating from its patients. We should help to keep these high standards and to make the Practice even better.

I have very much enjoyed serving as Chairman during the past year and will be more than willing to serve the committee again in the coming year in any way seen fit.

Once again my thanks to you all.”

3.Report by Dr Kumar.

It is currently the practice’s turn to have a push on Breast Screening and that is in progress with patients in the 50 – 70 age group being contacted. Take up is low as it is in other similar practices and they would like to see it higher. They feel they have to strike a balance between being too aggressive and doing the minimum. Innovative ways of raising patient’s interest are sought. For more information contact 020 3313 6644 or the practice.

Under the “My Action” programme blood pressure and cholesterol is measured for over 40s and they are involved in the programme if considered at risk. (Similarly with the NHS Health Check)

The practice finds texting the most efficient way of contacting patients. The practice software has not the capability of doing this by e-mail satisfactorily at present. New software is being delayed by the requirement for it to be compatible with other practices in the area.

In response to a question from DH, Dr Kumar said there was internal screening for dementia. A special member of staff was involved and the patient could be put in touch with the Community Matron if advisable. However she considered the overall service was poor in our area.

Flu vaccine was now readily available and steps had been taken to try and ensure a more reliable supply for next winter.

Patients are being referred to the Well Watch programme as necessary. Most common outcome is a community exercise programme.

4.In her report Carole Challon mentioned that they had managed to improve the locum cover for Dr Anand in that the same locums came on regular days.

The practice was recruiting a replacement receptionist and a supervising receptionist. A nurse was also being recruited to replace Alison and they were trying to make fuller use of the nurses’ room with extended nurse availability.

The results of the Self Care survey were now available and she would like to discuss them with the PPG. PH would contact her to fix a date.

5.Elections

Peter Hodes was re-elected Chairman with acclamation. John Buchanan was also re-elected Secretary and the Committee was re-elected en bloc.

6.AOB

A discussion took place about getting more members of the practice involved in the PPG. Suggestions included a direct contact to new patients about a month after joining the practice and texting messages to patients about the PPG and the meetings. (Direct mailing was expensive and involved much work)

7.Next Meeting9 July 20136.45 p.m. at the Surgery