Download Notes of meeting 18th Jan 17

The White House Surgery Patient Group
Notes of Meeting 18th January 2017
Present:
Leslie Bulman
Janet Hayes
Anne Bryant
Roger Moore
Dr. N. Morley-Smith
Linda Bonathan
Agenda
items
1.
Apologies: Alan Vine, Stephen Shrewsbury, Angela Law
Coleen Kingston, Pamela Sullivan, Albert Ellender & Margaret Woolley
The group gave an introduction and welcomed RM. RM gave his apologies for not being able
to attend the November meeting. It was also noted that members of the Gurkha community
have not attended our meetings for several months. LBu thought this could be due to
changes to employment positions and will contact the Gurkha Community.
2.
Notes of the last meeting:
Agreed a true and accurate account.
3.
Progress Report: (Actions from November’s meeting):
Appointment Slips: We understand that the notice is still printing on the slips. AB believes
that the message is lost if and when the computers are updated. DNA figures appear to
have come down during November and December. It was agreed that we should look at the
letters sent out to patients who frequently DNA. We will audit the letters for 3 months and
then hopefully this will give us a better understanding of type of appointments that are being
wasted. AB mentioned that the practice is introducing a Working Group and we would
expect to look at appointments and to see if we can free up or reduce the DNAs.
Promoting On-Line Booking: The practice usage is still below many other practices in
Shepway. JH was not aware that there was an online booking service, therefore it is clear
that we need to advertise the service and how patients can obtain log-in details. LBu
suggested that the practice requires a communication policy.
Patient Survey: The patient questionnaire has been on hand at reception since 1st January
and will be available throughout the month. LBu came into the surgery on the 11th January to
give out and speak to patients. Listed below are few comments he received.
 Translation into Nepalese - LB said that they have tried on several occasions but we
have problems printing the translated copy. RM said that he knows a lady who may
be willing to translate for us and could perhaps print a master copy which could then
photocopy.
 Wheelchair users have difficulty with the height of the reception desk.
 Lights in the waiting area - Bulbs need to be replaced with LED bulbs. AB will
arrange for the electrician to come in.
 Notice Board, Michelle is dealing with this, but it was agreed that we need two more
in the downstairs waiting room and one more upstairs. When these are in place the
notices need to be prioritised and grouped.
 . Doctors running late – There needs to be some way that patients are aware that
they doctor they are waiting to see is running late, and given an estimated time of
delay.
LB has quickly look at the questionnaires received so far, to date we have received 42
completed, with eleven of these from patients between the age of 18 and 44. There have
been some very positive comments, but also one or two comments about the length of time
waiting on the telephone and the number of weeks you have to wait to see a named GP.
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Outside Agencies/Open Day: CK was unable to attend today but has sent through a list of
agencies that she has contacted and they all appear to be interested.
 MIND
 Mental Health services for older people
 MCCH – Children and Adolescence
 Aspirations (employment agency for people with MH issues)
 Age Concern (unsure if they could attend due to manpower but would give
information)
 Cherry Tree – families
 Rainbow centre & their families.
The group felt that Cancer (McMillan or the Hospice) and ASD/National Autistic Society
(Dover) would also be useful.
LBu has contacted the church and have agreed that we can use the church room however
there will be a small charge. Thursday mornings might be a good day as the church hold
and open coffee morning in the main hall; this would ensure a better audience. It was
suggested that we arrange the Open Day for the middle of May. LBu and LB will look at the
room to make sure it is adequate for our needs.
Integrated Health and Social Care for South Kent Coast: ( Health and Social Care
Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP)). This was discussed at the last Shepway Patient
Group, South Kent Commissioners (http://www.southkentcoastccg.nhs.uk) are working
together to join the gaps between Health, Wellbeing and Social Care. There is currently a
consultation in place and are holding a series public sessions to get people’s views on their
draft plans. The first meeting will be held on the 1st February, 10.00 – 12.00 am at the Lees
Cliff Hall, Folkestone.
4.
Any other Business:
JH – Felt that it is really important that when visiting a doctor that their doctor should know
that they are a carer as their carers duty can affect their health and wellbeing. There are
forms that carers can complete and hand to their GP practice, then the practice will add a
‘flag’ to their electronic notes which will highlight that the patient is a carer. Carer forms are
available at reception.
LBu – is aware that there is a high percentage of GPs that are due to retire within the next
five years. NMS said that this is a worrying problem and many practice across East Kent are
having problems recruiting GP partners. It appears that the younger doctors are either going
abroad to work or are unwilling to commit a substantial amount of money and work to
become a GP partner. This will probably mean that Primary Care may need to change in the
future. As previously mentioned the White House are setting up a Working Group to look at
ways of working more efficiently, but still provide the standard of service we would all expect.
5.
Actions:
1. LBu to contact the Gurkha Community
2. 3 month audit of DNA letters
3. RM to enquire about translation of questionnaire.
4. AB to speak to electrician re change of bulbs in waiting room lights
5. LBu and LB to visit church room (email availability)
6. AB to arrange notice board and the practice to produce a communication policy
6.
Date of the Next Meeting:
Wednesday 15th March 2017
at the White House Surgery - 6.30 – 7.30
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