Nov. 6, 2024
Minutes
FRIENDS OF THE FAMILY PRACTICE
Minutes of meeting on 23 October 2024
Present: Mike Rudd (Chair), Graham Cundy, Jane Daborn, Hilary Gower, Malcolm Jefferies, Lynn McGrady (Sec), Sandra Shaw, Nicky Yates, Jill Keen (Practice Manager), Dr Sekhon
1. Apologies for Absence
There were no apologies for absence.
2. Welcome to the new committee member
The committee welcomed Jane Daborn who has been a patient at the Practice for many years and previously worked at the nearby Rowlands pharmacy.
3. Minutes of the last meeting held on 10 July 2024
The minutes were agreed.
4.Matters Arising from last meeting
There were no matters arising not covered elsewhere on the agenda.
5. Health Centre Update
The Practice currently has a full complement of GPs. The ST doctor – a specialty trainee under the supervision of a senior GP- will leave at the end of December but will be replaced in due course. It’s likely that a further three trainees will arrive in the coming months. Although student placements involve additional work for the Practice, doctors find there are benefits as patients are afforded more time in speaking to an ST followed by the GP, and the GP then has key points from the patient history readily available. Specialty Trainees also make suggestions, which GPs can find helpful. A large clinical room - previously used to store paper records that are now digitalised - will be available shortly to support the increased number of STs in the Practice. There is a vacancy in the admin team which will be filled shortly.
6. Covid / Flu jab fortnight (7 – 18 October)
Dr Sekhon thanked committee members for their work in supporting the recent Covid and Flu vaccination clinics. It’s estimated that around 1,800 patients were vaccinated at the Practice during the two week period, which targeted over 65s and others with specific health issues. The number of flu jabs increased on previous years and feedback from the majority of patients was very favourable. Members wondered whether ID badges for volunteers might help next year and also numbered tickets given out on arrival might assist in managing large queues if and when necessary.
Staff at the Practice are now providing vaccinations to care homes and housebound patients.
Whilst on volunteering duty some committee members noticed:
• the one staff member on Reception dealt with some patients with very complex and time-consuming queries during which queues formed. Members asked if another team member could come to support Reception at these times. Jill acknowledged this was the intention but other staff are frequently responding to issues raised on the phone or on-line.
• Reception staff have to open and check samples that are dropped off to ensure they are labelled with an ID as many are not. This makes a simple drop-off into a potentially lengthy exercise.
• Although patients are requested to contact the Practice by completing a form on-line, not all can. Reception will assist by completing a form on the patient’s behalf if they are unable to do so. Similarly, forms can be completed for patients if they phone the Practice.
7. Any Other Business
a) Recent press attention has referred to the possibility of the Government proposing charging for missed appointments. It was thought unlikely to happen due to the extra administrative burden. The majority of DNAs (Did Not Attend) at this Practice were in the under 65 age group.
b) The Woking Diagnostic Centre has recently received new large-scale scanning equipment, which necessitated the closure of many local roads during a recent weekend. Members queried whether the availability of this new equipment would impact directly on the Practice. At this stage it’s envisaged that referrals by GPs will take place as usual, though patients might subsequently be directed to the Woking Centre.
c) The minutes of our most recent meeting are put on the notice board with previous minutes ideally available on the website. Jill will check the website and ensure it’s brought up-to-date.
8. Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting is scheduled for 9am on Wednesday 29 January 2025.
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