Alrewas Surgery Patient Group

Notes of meeting held on 23 November 2017

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Present

Lorna Lewis, Jo Spence, John Cassidy, Mark Lodge (Chairman), Ralph Seville, Janette Potter, Helen Newman, Sue Hughes, Sonia Senior

Apologies

Rachel Iles, Paula Dumolo

Actions from previous meeting

 Patient Information Screen: SS advised that this continues to be a work in progress. Feedback is variable with some feeling it could be used more effectively, others are not interested in viewing it! We have to give 12 month notice to terminate in first instance, so SS will review in New Year.

 Flu clinic: Text message sent out was amended as per last PG meeting suggestion. Flu campaign going well to date. JP advised she had seen how ‘pop ups’ on screen were used for booking in and jabbing patients opportunistically during her observational visit to the surgery.

 Fradley developments: SS advised that situation still being discussed and CCG aware of potential growth of patient numbers in next 10 years and the proposal for a Dementia Care centre in the area. The impact on the surgery will be significant - Westgate practice may take on additional patients from Fradley to support this growth.

Defibrillator Campaign

Training

LL advised 36 booked for 7 December session. (29 via surgery, 7-8 using defib email). There is a waiting list at the surgery for those wishing to attend a future session. Arrangements for the day discussed. WI thanked for offering to do refreshments

JC asked if we receive feedback on use of defibs from WMAS and whether they could have prevented any incidents. We have received no notifications of use to date. WMAS would tell us if they had been used to enable us to replace pads as required

Defib checks

All ‘checkers’ requested to check expiry dates on pads and batteries to ensure we can arrange appropriate replacements.

Surgery Update

Janette’s observational visit JP advised she had visited the surgery reception in her capacity as a member of Patient Group to observe a Monday morning’s activities as agreed at last meeting. Impressed with calm approach of receptionists to what was a very busy time; a doctor had called in sick on the day and reception staff moved appointments swiftly to compensate. All standard non urgent appts were booked by 8:19am as a result! The group discussed receptionists asking patient about key concerns – JP confirmed that this was not for their benefit, but to enable patients to be directed to most appropriate service (e.g. GP, nurse, 999). JP reassured that this was also not for receptionists to prioritise but to give clinicians a ‘heads up’ and hopefully make patient contact with surgery more effective.

Discussed the number of appointments available for patients to book online. SS advised that approximately half of appointments are available but noted that they are also available for staff to book.

Winter plan – acute visiting service

The number of requests for home visits increases in the winter months as more vulnerable patients find it more difficult to get out. The CCG has put in place an acute home visiting service to support GP practices with attending to those most in need on the day. This will be in place until end of March 2018.

Any Other Business

1. ML advised her had contributed to PD’s nurse status revalidation on behalf of patient group

2. Drug/Trials & Research – SH asked what trials surgery was involved with. SS confirmed currently have 3 trials active: Fast Gout, All Heart and use of allopurinol and TUDOR, a study on the impact of psoriasis on daily living. The practice is accredited to undertake research.

3. JP advised that a patient had approached her to join the group. JP to contact SS wth details.

4. SS suggested that patient group meetings are held quarterly rather than bi-monthly in the coming year. This was agreed by all present.

Date of Next meetings:

Monday 29 January 12:45pm Alrewas surgery

Thursday 19 April 5:30pm Methodist Church Hall

Monday 16 July 12:45pm Alrewas surgery

Thursday 1 November 5:30 pm Methodist Church Hall