Minutes of PPG Meeting: Wednesday 24th January 2024

• Present: RO, SS, TF, SY, SF, PA, AS
• Apologies: SD, RB, JWJ
• New Members: JWJ, MB (resignation)

Matters arising from previous meeting

Bridgeside open day went very well and SM thanked all members that helped on the day. We had good media reports and the event was attended by our MP, Nusrat Ghani and Councillor, Gerard Fox. 

Minutes signed off. 

Feedback from our Chair

RO updated us on his recent experience of the sleep well course which he found beneficial. There will also be something about this in the next newsletter.

Information about a forthcoming meeting on 13th Feb at 2.30 pm in Polegate where all PPG representatives will meet in person or via video link. Please see the attached. Newsletter to be published shortly.

Results of Friends and family/ NHS questionnaire and surgery updates will be shown, this will also be on our website. Any patient contribution or feedback welcome.

South Downs Health and Care (SDHC) 

We were delighted to welcome Kirsty and Fiona from South Downs Health and Care (SDHC) who look after our out of hours service and work closely with the practices in the East Sussex to assist in the smooth running of practice and patient access. They currently assist 22 practices in the area.  

Feedback was shared from the PPG members and Kirsty presented a slide show to explain the plans for the future and give us more of an insight to what they do.  Local covid vaccination clinics were discussed and the possibility of having volunteers to direct people to the correct building was something that would be of use to the residents of Hailsham.  Slide show is attached for reference and information. 

Accurx Triage

Accurx Triage trial for patient appointments/questionnaire feed back – none of the PPG had experienced the trial days but it was agreed that we have to find something to meet all patient needs.

Blood pressure machine in reception

Blood pressure machine in reception – volunteers needed to guide patients please. This was stopped due to covid. It is now working and patient are encouraged to use it before their appointment to save time. 

Telephone system/ patient partner/ call back

A new telephone system is being ordered which should be in place by April.  It will have a call back facility to enable patients to opt for a call back rather than waiting on the line.  It will be in the order the call was received and is hoped to reduce the 8:30 rush.

Notice board updates

Unfortunately, our Care Navigator has left the surgery. We are needing help to keep the notice board up to date with interesting/relevant notices – any volunteers?

Physio

A question over the physio service was raised and SM explained that it was dependant on the budget and referral process.  We no longer have access to the First contact physio as the service was not being used by our patients.  MSK are now our go-to provider and referrals can be made via the surgery or directly from the patient.  During our Open Day we had a display stand and David came from MSK to inform patients of their services.

Next meeting to be confirmed.