Download patient-participation-group-minutes-12th-october-2016

Patient Participation Group – Minutes of meeting 12.10.2016
Present: SR, MS, GG, AB, DA, MA
Apologies: CA, LB
1. Updates
SR explained to the group that the practice list size had increased from 2380 patients five
years ago when Dr Curry took over from Dr Miller, to 2867 today, which is an increase of
487 patients. In an effort to meet demand, the GPs have increased their appointment
availability and have increased nursing hours.
SR informed the group about Patient Access changes and that patients are registering for
access to their medical problems, medications, immunisations, allergies, repeat
prescriptions ordering online and booking appointments online with both GPs and nurse. SR
explained that practices must have at least 25% of patients registered for online access
before 31st March 2017 and 80% of patients using EPS.
SR told the group about CQC inspection reports in South Tyneside. Most practices have
received an overall score of ‘good’, but there are only a few with outstanding features;
Imeary Street is a practice with outstanding features. There are few who have yet to have
their reports published, but overall, South Tyneside is doing very well, with most practices
having a rating of ‘good’ and only two requiring improvement.
SR explained that we had almost completed this year’s flu campaign, with uptake being high
both in adults and children.
SR explained that STCCG had commissioned HealthPathways. HealthPathways is web-based
information portal supporting primary care clinicians to plan patient care through primary,
community and secondary health care systems within South Tyneside . It is like a 'care map',
so that all members of a health care team – whether they work in a hospital or the
community - can be on the same page when it comes to looking after a particular person.
The development of each of the pathways involves collaboration between a local general
practitioner and a subject matter expert for the individual pathway. The development
process also includes comment and review by a wide range of health and social care
professionals as well as third sector and voluntary organisations.
The purpose of each of the pathways is to help support general practice with management
of patients in the community and a subsequent reduction in the time people spend waiting
for specialist care. This was developed in New Zealand six years ago and is called
Canterbury Health Care Pathways. Their achievements have been huge in reducing hospital
admissions, getting patients seen in a more timely fashion and this has produced
demonstrable improvements in hospital effectiveness and social care demand. CCGs in the
UK had to bid for Canterbury to work them in creating a similar model of integrated care.
South Tyneside won that bid as we are already ahead of the game in joined-up and
integrated working.
2. General practice issues
MS explained to the group about some of the current challenges we face as a practice. He
informed the group that he is looking at a new phone system which will hopefully improve
upon the current basic system we have in place. Some members of the group stated they
would prefer to hear an engaged tone rather than a message telling them they are first,
second, third etc in the queue. Matt explained he is looking at all options and various
companies and is researching what systems are available that may suit us here at Imeary
Street.
MS asked the group to feedback their thoughts on our staffing levels and the quality of
service they receive from us here at Imeary Street. All members present praised the
practice and had no issues or suggested areas of improvement. MS asked that if anything
crops up, would the group please feedback to himself or SR.
MS informed the group that the practice has put bids in for various incentives and hopefully
the practice will grow, but not too much! Matt asked the group to feedback any difficulties
they may experience in the future i.e. getting an appointment at their preferred time, with
their preferred GP, their experience of getting through on the phones and general issues
that may occur in with the expansion of our list size.
SR suggested that the growing list may not impact patients getting access over the phone in
a timely manner as many patients were now using the online appointment booking facility
and prescription ordering facility. SR reminded the group that this could be done 24/7. DA
suggested that we advertise the online facilities more and gave SR the email address of a
contact who could help with leaflets and posters. SR to action.
3. Update from DM
DM informed the group she had been to Haven Court, based at South Tyneside Hospital and
that it was lovely with modern décor and a nice garden. DM explained there was a much
wider service than simply residential care.
4. A Better You- MA
MA discussed the Better You scheme which gives patients more control over their own
health and wellbeing. The Better You scheme links up with the Change for Life programme.
5. Winter planning ideas- SR
SR and the group discussed ideas for how the practice could help patients stay well this
winter. SR suggested some social navigators in the waiting room could chat to patients and
advise them about local services that they may not be aware of i.e. Think Pharmacy First
Campaign, Change for Life, self-care awareness sessions held by Blissability and inform
patients of things like the Community Laundry service and pharmacy medication delivery
services. The group agreed it was a good idea. MA suggested SR contact Blissability to see if
they had willing volunteers to come into the practice and chat to our patients. SR to action.
AOB
The group had a long chat with MS and SR about our practice within the NHS as a whole and
the difficulties facing general practice currently.
SR suggested the group meet again in January as some of the group felt six monthly
meetings were not frequent enough. SR agreed to reinstate the quarterly meetings. Date
of next meeting to be arranged.