VICTORIA MEDICAL CENTRE
PATIENTS PANEL
(PATIENTS PARTICAPATION GROUP)
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 31st AUGUST 2017
1.	Introductions 

	MH had, prior to the start of the meeting introduced new members to one another he also apologised for three errors, the details being as follows: The numbering sequence on the Agenda was incorrect (blamed the computer), he had misspelt Teresa Thomas’s Christian name and the date of the next meeting was shown as the 30th instead of the 31st August. 	

2.	Apologies for absence: 

Mrs Thompson, Mrs Nicholson and Miss Bridges.

3.	In attendance:

Patient representatives: Malcolm Hardy (MH), Lawrence Nicholson (LH).
Teresa Thomas (TS) and Peter Tallack (PT). 
Practise representative: Alex Farthing (AF), 
Dr. Singh (Part time).

4.	Minutes of Previous Meeting
	
The minutes of the previous meeting held on 20th July were agreed as a true record and signed by the Chair.

5.	Matters Arising

5.1	Previous item 4 (a) ii (Facebook) AF reported that this is now up and running – for access information details Patients should contact Reception Staff.

5.2	Previous item 4 (c)	AF informed members those Carers who are not Patients but who care for persons who are patients are recorded on Registration Form records 	
5.3	Constitution: MH had developed a Constitution for approval of Panel Members.  LN raised a query as to whether the paragraph which stated ‘In the case of equality of votes the chair will have a second or casting vote’.  MH replied that this was standard practise in meetings and that in compiling the constitution he had looked at several other constitutions from similar patient groups.   However LN was unhappy with this.  PT also commented that, as a person who had experience of such meetings this was normal practise, otherwise meeting items could end in deadlock, he did suggest however that MH contact South Tyneside Councils Democratic Services Officer for clarification.

	Post Meeting Note

	As suggested MH has contacted South Tyneside Councils Democratic Services Officer who confirmed that he was correct on this matter, the only other way to resolve any decisions which could result in a tied vote would be to have meeting of odd numbers but this was impractical as, if someone failed to attend the meeting the result could again end up as a tied vote.

5.4	Previous item (5b) Post-box

	AF responded, she informed members that this has been considered but thought to be impractical for a number of reasons including possible vandalism and the possibility of confidential information being accessed by unauthorised persons.  It was agreed that no further action would be taken.

6.	Questions, Queries, Concerns or Issues to be discussed with Doctors or the Practise Manager.
6.1	MH raised three points, the first being that he had read a recent newspaper article which mentioned that NHS England has suggested that GP Surgeries should consider the installation within surgeries of ‘Self Testing’ Blood Pressure Machines.
 		AF informed members as follows: We do have blood pressure machines in the surgery for patients to take away with them. These can only be taken from the surgery if requested by a Nurse or a GP.  Alternatively, if a patient would like their blood pressure checked they can attend any local pharmacy to have this done.

	6.2	He had also read an article in ‘The Shields Gazette’ regarding an organisation ‘South Tyneside Advocacy Resource Team’ (START) is a service for people who may have experienced a significant life event or need support to cope with issues in later life.  He queried whether the panel may consider inviting a representative from this group to a future meeting?

		AF replied that she had knowledge that this organisation charged for their services and duplicated what BLISS=Ability provided free of charge.

	6.3	Patient Query – When Reception Staff contact a patient to inform them that the Doctor wants to see them but it is nothing to worry about could they be a bit more explicit?  I.e. to discuss the results of Blood Tests X-Rays Etc. As some patients do worry.  PT also commented on this as he had experienced a similar situation.

		AF commented that reception staff always try to re-assure patients as much as possible when making contact with them.  If the GP considers that the patient does need to be seen then the GP would contact the patient.

		Post Meeting Note

		At the meeting held between MH and the Practise Manager Alison Tones immediately following the Panel Meeting Allison confirmed that she will ensure that Patients are given as much re-assurance as possible.

	6.4	A query was raised that if a Patient is seen by a Doctor at either Hospital or a Saturday morning surgery at another practise does it make any difference if they are later seen by a different Doctor for the same problem?

		AF answered by saying that Doctors who operate the Evening or Week-end surgeries would have access to your notes providing patients have given their consent.

		Post Meting Note.

		Please find attached a Patient Information Leaflet.

	6.5	PT has registered for ‘On Line’ Services and needs a Password.  He queried that once he is in the system will he be able to access his records?

		It was explained that the Password is something that he needs to establish and is personal to him, with regards to his records AF informed him that he will only be able to access details of his medication and other basic information.

		Post Meeting Note 

		As normal following a Panel Meeting MH met with AT and this was discussed, please find attached copies of the Practise Protocol for Patients Requesting Access to their Medical Records and details of Patients online Access.

	6.6	A question was asked that if registered for ‘On Line’ services would it be possible to make an appointment before the surgery opened in the morning

		AF informed members that whilst it is possible to book appointments ‘On Line; this is not accessible until 7.55am. 

7.	Any Other Business

	7.1	MH asked what kind of response there has been with regards to the Practise seeking new Patients?

		AF said there has been a good response.

	7.2	AF reminded members that appointments are for 10 minute slots and that if Patients do not turn up in sufficient time for their planned appointment time they could lose that slot.

	7.3	MH wanted to express his formal appreciation to AF for the help and support she has provided to him and the Panel. Nothing is too much bother for her and she is always extremely helpful and friendly. 

	7.4	Panel Members also commented as to the help and support given to patients by reception staff and how professional and friendly they are. 

	7.5	MH informed members that we now share a Notice Board with BLISS=Ability.

	7.6	PT asked what the situation would be if the GP’s disagreed with any item brought up with the Panel?

		MH responded that the Panel is independent of Medical and Practise Staff and as such can discuss any subject within reason; however he would hope that such a situation would not arise.  He meets with AT after each Panel Meeting to discuss any points which need clarification or a formal response.  We have established a good working relationship which ensures that any contentious issues can be discussed and resolved in a professional manner.

	7.7	PT queried what the position is with regards to The Care Quality Commission and are they able to just walk in to carry out Inspections?

	Post Meeting Note

		The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is an Executive Non- Departmental Public Body of The Department of Health.  It regulates all Health and Social Care Services in England.

		All Practises must be registered with this body and this Practise is currently seeking Registration.  The CQC must give 2 weeks’ notice of any visit.

		At the meeting with AT she detailed the following information:

		The Practise must comply with five fundamental standards, these being:

•	Safe – With what Centre Staff do, that all staff are Risk Assessed, that the centre only employ staff who are appropriate and well trained, where appropriate undertake Data Barring Service checks and that there is a zero tolerance Procedure in place.
•	Effective – Add staff receive Induction Training, are well trained to meet Patients needs and specialist training is provided where necessary.
•	Caring – Show Dignity and Respect to Patients, ensure confidentiality and provide support to be independent where appropriate and possible.
•	Responsive to Patients needs – Have Care Plans in place (Individual where needed) and have a Patients Complaints Procedure in place.
•	Well Led – Show good leadership qualities, Have a Registered Manager who is approachable and supportive, have an open and transparent culture and able to prove continual improved services to Patients.

8.	Date and time of next meeting

	Thursday, 12th October 2017 at 2.00pm

Signed and agreed a true record: .................................... Date:.........................................
						Chair