We use cookies to help provide you with the best possible online experience.
By using this site, you agree that we may store and access cookies on your device. Cookie policy.
Cookie settings.
Functional Cookies
Functional Cookies are enabled by default at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings and ensure site works and delivers best experience.
3rd Party Cookies
This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.
Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.
PPG Minutes 14th March 2022
Present
Mike Garett (chair), Jean Poole (vice-chair and secretary), Dr V Smith, Richard Marshall, Lee Atkins, Cindy Garett, Tess Munden, Rob Munden, Lee Davitt, Trudy Gwatkin, Mike Woodward, Dave Powell
Welcome
Mike welcomed everyone to the meeting
Apologies
Kerry Harding, Sharon Shaw
Approval of previous minutes
Tess Munden, seconded Mike Woodward
Matters arising from previous minutes
- PPG leaflet revision – to be discussed at the next meeting
- Patient survey – the national NHS survey has been sent out so any local survey options will be re-visited later in the year
- Practice information booklet revision – a draft is available and Richard will arrange for a copy to be sent to the PPG for comment
- Patient seating – riser blocks are being trialled on a chair near the treatment rooms and a bariatric chair is on order. Richard to follow up
PPG issues
VPPG members validation
This was completed in January. 6 potential new members failed to reply to the welcome email so their contact details have been deleted from the PPG records.
Confirmation of continuing interest messages were sent to those already on the mailing list.
Richard mentioned that the surgery website was being “refreshed” so this was a good time to revisit the PPG pages and sign up form, especially as it’s unclear whether patients are signing up inadvertently. Mike and Jean to liaise with Richard and Anna
Social prescribing
Dr Smith explained that there is a referral system in place for the local network social prescriber (supplied through Southern Brooks). General feedback is received although not patient specific, but is primarily a signposting service. Jean and Mike to review comments on NAPP newsfeed pages about this service elsewhere
Patient portal
The issue regarding date of birth entry on a query form still warrants investigation as currently not user friendly. Richard to follow up
Stroke service review
A review across the district has taken place and plans for more centralised services have been published. Full roll out is expected by November (see BNSSG Healthier Together - Stroke Service)
Magazine articles about GP services
Some recent articles about pressure on GPs were discussed. Dr Smith explained that GP recruitment locally was very difficult alongside rising patient numbers. The group supported the idea of giving patients an option of face to face or telephone consultations as a fair balance.
Covid booster programme update
Richard confirmed that a further round of Covid vaccinations for those over 75 or clinically extremely vulnerable would start next month. PPG volunteers to assist at clinics would be welcome. Vaccinations for 5 – 12 year olds were available at a centralised base in Downend.
Courtside issues
Staffing update – A new urgent care nurse (Claire Barrel) will be starting in April and a new surgery based pharmacist ( Bethan Bell) in May. 2 new receptionists started at the end of last year (James and Emma). A local network care co-ordinator (Kenny) is involved in reviews of patients with hypertension.
As yet, there is no replacement for Dr Brooks who retires in June.
AOB items
- Integrated care system – the new arrangements are being rolled out in April and aim to bring services together more locally (see BNSSG Healthier Together - ICP)
- Urgent care service/NHS 111 – Jean is our representative on this group and face to face meeting start again next month.
Date of next meeting
Monday 9th May – 7pm