Appletree Patient Participation Group (PPG) Minutes of the 32nd Meeting 30 th October 2013

Transcription

1 Appletree Patient Participation Group (PPG) Minutes of the 32nd Meeting 30 th October 2013 Attendees:, Sonia Rafferty (Chair), John Meggitt, Ann Martin, Margaret Raw, Mike Robinson, Joshua Rogers, Elena Whinfrey, Carol Gilbert, Elaine Evanson From Appletree: Dr David Regan, Stephen Leather Apologies for absence: Marion Chesters, John Beavis, Yvonne Greenwood, Betty McKeggie, Linda Adey, David Greatorex. Wendy Palmer, John Raw, John Rowlands, Standing Items 1. Opening and welcome. Sonia Rafferty welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming out on a cold Autumn evening. 2. Present and Apologies See above Standing items: 3. Minutes of previous meeting. Minutes of the last meeting were accepted as accurate. 4. Matters arising and not on the agenda. (i) Care:Data Scheme As suggested last month the dates of implementation of the Scheme have been put back to allow for proper publicising of the initiative. GP practices remain responsible for ensuring patients fully aware and Appletree is using all opportunities to do so e.g. web site; Digital screens; leaflets and posters in waiting areas; leaflets included with prescription and outgoing letters. Not much patient feedback to date but will probably pick up once Scheme publicised more widely. 5. Action Plan. (see appendix 1) Ecclesbourne School links: SWL had spoken to the school Head both about the on-going loitering in the practice car park and the Community Ambassador involvement with the PPG. On the first count Mr McNamara had assured him that were we able to identify the miscreants as Ecclesbourne students he would deal with the matter very seriously. On the second point he was interested in the students involvement and promised to speak with the new staff member responsible for this aspect and encourage those concerned. It was disappointing however that none of the nominated ambassadors were at this month s meeting (half term?) but there remained a resolve within the Group to try to work with them and benefit from their perspectives. Action: SWL is to approach the school with a view to setting up a meeting between the school, practice and PPG to see how this can be progressed (see item 9 below). Digital TV in waiting areas: Carol Gilbert, John Meggitt and Wendy Palmer had met with SWL to review use of all forms of communication media in the waiting area. Use of the digital screen had been discussed as had the suitability of waiting areas communications. It had been agreed that Wendy would act as the patient eyes and ears and provide regular feedback on the presentation of the waiting areas, both at Duffield and Little Eaton; whilst Carol would carry out the role of an infrequent attender in assessing how effective the practice is at reaching those patients who visit the practice rarely. Page 1 of 8

2 Health Fair: It was agreed that further discussion on this matter would be held after item 9 - Vision and Direction. However lack of time meant that this discussion did not take place as planned and needs to be taken to the next meeting. Communication See 8. Appletree Update Flu Clinic below re. Communications survey at flu clinic. 6 Carers Forum Report (see Appendix 2) Margaret Raw gave a full report of the last Carers forum of 10 th October (see Appendix 1). No speakers had been present but a very constructive discussion had taken place. The next meeting is on when the emphasis will be on a sociable event on 20 th December before Christmas. A representative from Derbyshire Carers; Association had been at the drop in flu clinic earlier in the day and had gathered 17 names of people interested in their services. She will be letting the practice have those names for correlating against the Carers Register to see if a) they are already registered as Carers; b) are attending the forum. A letter will go out from the practice inviting new carers to the Christmas social. 7. Representatives of other bodies. Ann Martin had come across a quiz relating to the cost of training and developing medical professionals which she put to the Group who did not get many answers right! It did however serve to promote a discussion on the wider cost of health care through the NHS. It was generally agreed that if patients fully understood the real cost of their free at source care they might use the services differently. Action: SWL was asked to consider some form of patient communication around the relative costs of generic and branded medications and their relative differences. Ann also fed back that at a meeting where a number of other PPGs were represented it was apparent that none of those present had GPs attending and they were interested to know how Appletree PPG had done this. 8. Appletree Update. Flu clinics The first major drop in flu clinic had taken place earlier that day and had gone very smoothly. Thanks to PPG members who had assisted with queue management and car parking. Good patient feedback had been received throughout the morning. Two further drop in clinics will take place on Nov 2nd/ 9th am PPG assistance at both will be very welcome. SWL had produced a simply communications survey for members to use which was reviewed by the meeting and generally felt to be appropriate. (see appendix 3) On-line appointment booking The practice has made a number of appointments available on line via SystmOne through the practice web site. These appointments are also available through more traditional means i.e. telephone and counter so it will be a case of first come, first served. This development will go some way to ease pressure on phone lines at peak times. Test result text messaging The practice has started to text patients with the results of blood tests where they are normal. This will further reduce pressure on phone lines and ensure patients get their results soonest. Telephone service this was deferred to a future meeting. Other items 9. Vision and Direction - A discussion on: 1. Our achievements year to date 2. Our future direction of the PPG continuing to add value to health and care services in our community Page 2 of 8

3 Sonia introduced this topic by highlighting the Group s achievements of the past 6 months (see appendix 4). She then asked the meeting to consider how we take matters forward; what is our Vision for the PPG?; what should be our focus? After some discussion around who we should be aiming at it was recognised that unless we have a clear view on our methods of working and Group objectives it will be difficult to tailor our message to whomever we are targeting, whether that be patients in general or to prospective active Group members. The earlier discussion on Health Service finances (see 7 above) seemed to provide a model which all present seemed comfortable with i.e. general discussion around a topic from which emerged a viable action which, once completed would go towards the Group s main objective of improving healthcare delivery for the benefit of both patients and the practice. Equally we need to recognise the parameters beyond which it is difficult to effect real change for the better. Such discussions would need to be facilitated by input from the Practice which would lead to a greater understanding of the challenges faced and the reasons why things are done in the way they are. It was felt that such an approach would also be attractive to potential future members and a good recruitment story to tell. When communicating with the Community we need to be clear what we are trying to achieve; e.g. in working closer with Ecclesbourne we are seeking a different point of view. It was recognised that for this to work we need to engage with the students in such a way that they are motivated to add value. (see Action in item 5 above). It was suggested that members of the PPG periodically spend time in the Surgery itself talking to patients about the work of the Group, encouraging both wider patient feedback and new membership. After a full discussion and with both eyes on the clock it was agreed that members would go away and reflect on the outputs and come back in November ready to either re-affirm that this is indeed the way we want to work or to offer up alternative views. Either way we need to be clear in our Vision and aims as we go into the New Year. 10. A.O.B. John Meggitt asked about the availability of personal alarms for use in case of falls or collapses in the home and was advised of 2 organisations who provide such support Age Uk and Derbyshire County Council. 11. Date of next meeting - Next meeting 27 th Nov Meeting closed p.m. Page 3 of 8

4 Appendix 1 PPG ACTION PLAN ACTION DATE STARTED To ensure that the PPG Group is represented on all relevant Health Committees HOW WILL IT BE DONE? LEAD HAS IT BEEN ACHIEVED? October Compile list of committees and current representatives 2. Establish a system for feedback and ensuring volunteers cover every relevant committee Sonia Rafferty 1.For discussion 2. For discussion To further develop links with Ecclesbourne School via the community ambassadors To explore using the community ambassadors as meeters and greeters October Discussion with Head of Sixth Form at Ecclesbourne School 2. To complete patient surveys in the waiting room on research topics Possible topics decided by partners from previous survey and by PPG L Adey and Community Ambassadors 1.Ongoing 2. After September Handling and communicating test results to patients October To become familiar with systems 2. To compile information leaflets J Beavis Information leaflets completed Patient information leaflets to be written on various topics October 2012 John B and John R to write leaflets after researching relevant areas John Beavis John Raw Leaflets produced and displayed in folders in surgery PPG members to assist practice in identifying information to appear on new May 2012 Small working party to meet with SWL/Lianne to review progress and suggest future inclusions Wendy Palmer/ Carol Gilbert/ John Practice getting to grips with technology before inviting working party Page 4 of 8 REVIEW DATE FURTHER ACTION List to be made available to all PPG members and on website Feedback to be a standard item on the agenda May 2014 New group of Community ambassador students attending. Need to ensure that we optimise their input as representative of a younger age group. Annual review 12 month review of completed publications for ongoing currency Annual review Patient information leaflets to be written New communications sub-group met with Practice to review

5 digital TV screens Meggitt in. screens and in-house patient communications. To improve access to the Surgery by investigating the feasibility of an additional pedestrian crossing Duffield Carnival 2014 a stall to raise awareness of PPG and Appletree Medical Practice Communication to patients and interested bodies Communicating and promoting the role of the nursing team June 2013 Publish articles in Duffield Scene, DCA news sheet, Belper News Clipboard in library, PO and shops and at interest groups e.g. WI for patients to sign up their support Form a sub group to co-ordinate above June 2013 A sub group to be formed to start panning in January 2014 in order to man a stall at the carnival to raise awareness a small sub group to be - input needed from Practice June 2013 Agenda item July 2013 to brainstorm ideas of how to improve communication October Small group meeting to establish information required Terry Kelly Some contacts made. After canvassing local opinion it did not appear that there was significant community support for this initiative. It was reluctantly agreed not to pursue the idea further. M Raw? The idea of a health Fair in Carnival Week is also being discussed. Feedback to on monthly agenda June 2014 Aims: children/ family health focus; fun; ppg organised with practice support. John Raw Ongoing See minutes 25/9/13 item 9 for inputs. Simple survey to be compiled for trialing at flu clinics. Lydia Gosling 1,2 and 3 all completed December 2012 None needed 2. Information compiled in a format acceptable to the Surgery. 3. Information displayed To undertake a car park survey in order to identify users not visiting the surgery or chemist April 2012 Use a rota system to check all cars using the car park during a particular day Not feasible and situation has improved May 13 No further action Page 5 of 8

6 Appendix 2 Carers Report for P.P.G. Friday, October 10th 2013 The Carers Forum was held at Appletree Medical Practice on Friday, October 10th. Friends present were John& Margaret Raw, Elena Whinfrey & John Beavis, supported by the Practice Care Champions Helen Speake & Michelle Mellors. Helen Weston from Derbyshire Carers was present to answer any queries. Apologies for absence were given and the 2 new carers were introduced to the rest of the Group. The Friends had decided to have a general information and discussion meeting with no specific speakers, re- capping on some of the issues from the previous meeting. Dementia Patients - Margaret spoke about what she and John had learned from Carole Baker, Dementia Nurse about the Royal Derby Hospital s attempt to identify(blue butterfly) and treat dementia patients in a more understanding way, by training all staff, changing the environment and following good practice advocated by Stirling University s 25 years of research into dementia. Margaret now has a link with the University and is able to forward any information to those carers who have requested it. Two carers had attended 5 of the 6 meetings at Quarndon, organised by the Alzheimer s Society. The 6th meeting is on October 22nd dealing with Care Homes. A new member was particularly frustrated about finding suitable care for his wife. The last meeting about Powers of Attorney had been dealt with by a lawyer, who spoke about the differences between once only (Enduring) and per case. Members were warned about the high cost of obtaining POA and of the problems -: 1. Mental state of cared for to consent to granting powers. 2. The difficulty in getting a certified witness, who knew the elderly patient well. 3. Powers to cover Health and Wellbeing (30/09/07) are separate from Assets & Property. 4. The need to check costs and if in doubt hire a solicitor. A Carer voiced his frustrations with the system and another Carer that the person who would be able to help was sitting in front of him Helen Weston! She has subsequently been able to arrange support for him and two other carers with different needs. Helen stressed the need for all to pull together in dealing with these problems, pointing out the value of signposting and said the first link in the chain was the GP. The current DCA priority was a project called Teaming up to Transition. Usually requests for help came only after 5 years from the initial diagnosis. This alerted us to the fact that we are very valuable as a signpost for Carers and can direct them to the right person. We are having our last Carers Meeting this year on Friday, December 20th at 12:30-2pm. It will be a light hearted affair, where we shall serve home-made mince pies and the usual beverages. Helen Weston, Helen Hart and Lauren Pates will be present to answer any queries. Page 6 of 8

7 Appendix 3 Appletree PPG Communications Survey How often do you visit the surgery? Weekly/ Monthly/ 3 monthly/ 6 Monthly/ /Annually/ less frequently How well informed do you feel about the best way to use the various services offered by the Practice? on a scale of 1(not at all) to 5 (very well informed) How receptive would you be to receiving more information about the services offered and how to access them? on a scale of 1(not at all) to 5 (very well informed) How do you like to access information? Practice web site/ by e mail/ mail/ at the surgery/ other (please describe) What are the particular issues you would like to know more about? Do you feel able to provide the following details to aid practice communication with you? Full name: Date of birth (to ensure accurate identification) E mail address: Mobile number: Page 7 of 8

8 Appendix 4. Page 8 of 8