Patient Participation Group

MEETING 14

Held at Derby Road on 28th May 2014

Attended by

Dr G Watson

Sue Vince (Deputy Manager)

Carol Hough (Administrator)

Susie Calver (Senior Receptionist)

Dan Ford (Live Well Suffolk)

21 patients

Minutes of previous meeting approved with no further actions.

LIVE WELL SUFFOLK

A presentation was given to the group by Dan Ford which can be accessed via the surgery website. Dan gave hand outs to all those present and explained the different services and how patients can be referred. These services include Stop smoking, Lose Weight for both Adults and Children, Physical activity courses.

NEW RECALL SYSTEM FOR PATIENTS WITH A LONG TERM ILLNESS

Carol explained that the surgery is trialling a new recall system for patients who require an annual review for a long term illness such as Diabetes or COPD. Patients are being called during their month of birth by the following methods :- Text messages if we have an up to date mobile number or by adding a message to the prescription counterfoil inviting them to attend for a review. We are also encouraging patients to make their appointment with the Practice Nurse/HCA rather than a GP.

APPOINTMENT SYSTEM

Carol explained to the group that we are in the process of changing the surgery appointment system to meet patient demand and that it is important that we receive feedback from the group as to ways we can improve the service. We explained that we had been looking at different appointment systems adapted by other surgeries. There will be slots for routine appointments, telephone consultations, triage and urgent on the day appointments. This will be reviewed after one month. Access to appointment slots via the surgery website and how to register for the website was discussed; ideas on how to improve its content were also debated.

AOB

The group were interested to know the number of patients who DNA each month and would like the surgery to put the figures in the waiting room. It was suggested that we did this as a percentage. We confirmed that text alerts are sent to remind patients of an appointment and also to inform them when they have DNA’d an appointment.

A patient expressed their delight at the service they have received from 111. Carol asked if everybody was aware of this service.

A questionnaire was given to the group at the end of the meeting to complete which will also be posted on the website and available at reception for patients to complete.

The next meeting will be held at P/W in July at 12.30. Date to be confirmed.