Download on Monday 19 th May 2014

PATIENT PARTICIPATION
Mental Health Service Group at
Caen Medical Centre
on Monday 19th May 2014
Attendees
Dr Brian Bennett
Dr Mark Fresch
Rebecca Slade
Julie Tanton
Marie Ash
Susan Hill
Georgina Marten
William Rodgers
Betty Swain
Anne Zambuni
The practice invited 15 patients who are on our Mental Health Register to attend today’s
patient participation group meeting, 6 patients accepted the offer and attended. The
practice was encouraged by the number of patients happy to spend their time attending
today’s meeting.
Welcome/ Introduction
Dr Bennett started the meeting by thanking everyone for taking the time to attend and
asked everyone to introduce themselves. Dr Bennett then explained that we hold patient
participation group meetings on a quarterly basis inviting selected groups of patients with
particular needs or conditions to discuss how we are doing at meeting their needs, the
experiences they have encountered and how we might improve our services by asking
them for feedback. He explained that after previous meetings minor changes or
improvements had been implemented to the benefit of those patients using that service.
The following topics were raised for discussion.
Understanding Your Condition
Most of the patients present had been in remission for some years but were happy to talk
about their condition and experiences. They felt that the stigma attached to mental health
conditions had improved but was still present. They were all very aware of their illness
and the triggers which could cause them to slip back into a crisis. They said that it was
important their family and friends were also aware of these triggers, as they are most often
the people to notice a change or decline in their condition. One patient present said that
the road along mental illness is a very difficult one, especially when a patient is in crisis.
The patients present accepted that there is sometimes a root cause for their illness and
that this needs to be addressed if their situation is to improve.
They felt strongly that public awareness and openness about the illness is important and
needs to be improved.
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Mental health conditions can often lead to other physical health problems and financial
problems. One patient present, who is now training to be a counsellor, said that Mental
Wellbeing is now being promoted rather than Mental illness, and that this is important for
all people and not just those with an illness.
Many of the patients present had taken part in group sessions post discharge from hospital
e.g. Art on Prescription. They felt strongly that these sessions had aided their recovery
and that the group environment was exactly what they needed as they met with people
who understood what they were going through and were able to share experiences.
Appointment Availability
The patients present said that on the whole they did not experience any problems when
trying to book an appointment with their GP. We discussed the importance of continuity of
care, for both the patient and GP, and how the consultation and outcome is better for all
concerned if the patient can see the same GP. Those patients who have to attend
regularly for therapy said the GP or nurse tends to book their next appointment whilst they
are attending, this is good for the patient as they can plan and for the practice so we know
they have an appointment booked and will not be late with their treatment.
Annual Screening
The patients present said they appreciate being sent a yearly reminder to attend for a
review with their GP. They felt it was important to have this MOT, to ensure their physcial
wellbeing is also being addressed.
Medication
Those present were aware that some patients do attempt to stop their medication as they
are ‘feeling better’. Dr Bennett explained that some patients can stop their medication
once their condition is in remission but it is important that this is supervised and planned
between the patient and their clinician.
Again continuity of GP was raised as not all GP’s have the same views on medication and
with very complex cases it is easier for a GP who knows the patient well to make an
informed decision about their mediation.
One patient asked about alternative therapy and herbal treatments. Dr Bennett explained
that these therapies were not available on the NHS so they would not refer a patient or
prescribe these therapies. Both Drs Bennett and Fresch explained that they are always
happy to discuss the options available to patients but could not recommend alternative
therapies as they are not qualified in these areas. However they said it is important that a
patient tells their GP if they are taking any alternative treatments as these may be the
cause for interactions with the prescribed medication. One patient present said it would be
great if reflexology and massage were available on prescription as these treatments
helped to keep her relaxed and stress free.
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Information and Signposting / Help Groups
Most present had themselves researched their condition on the internet and had found this
a great source of information, but on the down side if a patient was not well mentally when
looking some of the information available might not be helpful and could cause more
distress than good. Dr Bennett said that he recommends use of sites which are
recognised by Health on the Net, which means the website had been reviewed and
recommended by health care professionals. Both Drs Bennett and Fresch said they use
and promote the use of patient.co.uk to their patients when trying to research their
condition.
At the request of a patient the practice produced a display last week for Mental Health
Awareness week, and the group was told that we are happy to continue with such
displays. The practice does try to display leaflets for patients with mental health issues,
but one patient raised the point that it is not always easy to pick up a leaflet in a public
place about mental health issues.
On discussion it became apparent that the Psychiatric unit at NDDH, does issue printed
information to patients on discharge from the ward. This includes information about their
condition, medication and lifestyle impacts.
Outcome/Changes Suggested
 Practice to continue with relevant poster displays in the waiting room
 Practice to signpost a few relevant websites on the annual review invitation letter
which is sent to patients
 Practice to produce an article for the next newsletter promoting Mental Wellbeing.
 Practice to consider links on practice website to other useful sites, such as
patient.co.uk
Summary/ Discussion
All the patients present were thanked for attending and for their input into the meeting.
The patients present said that they appreciated being invited to participate and
acknowledged that if we were to improve our service we offer to them it must be a two way
discussion. They were keen to promote the idea of mental wellbeing rather than mental
illness and were all keen to try and eliminate the stigma attached to mental illness.
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