Feb. 11, 2025

Minutes

FRIENDS OF THE FAMILY PRACTICE                

Minutes of meeting on 29 January 2025

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.      Appointment of Secretary for two-year period

         Lynn McGrady was nominated to the role of Secretary by Graham Cundy and seconded by Sandra Shaw. Lynn was duly elected.

3.     Minutes of the last meeting held on 23 October 2024

         The minutes were agreed.

4.      Matters arising that need attention prior to the next meeting

         Jill was asked if there had been any progress in bringing into use a large room previously used to store paper records. The intention is to make it available for clinical use including consultations. Jill explained progress had been made but it was not yet completed.   

5.      Any Other Business

         Mike referred to issues taken up by the group in the past including ambulance response times and bus services to Ashford Hospital. He asked group members to identify any other potential areas which could usefully be researched and which could produce benefits for patients. Members are asked to send a brief note to others in the group prior to the next meeting should they identify a potential project area.

Patient participation groups (PPGs) are expected to seek the views of patients in their practices. Following our recent week-long survey of patients attending the surgery we remain unable to obtain the views of those with telephone consultations. Mike asked whether one group member should take on board the issue of how we survey these patients since the use of technology/ social media by this group raises issues of confidentiality.  

It was noted that NHS guidance for PPGs was written long before the Covid pandemic and no updates have been issued to reflect changing processes with GP Practices and therefore the expectations placed on PPGs in seeking patients’ views are unclear. It was also acknowledged that the NHS now has other electronic systems in place including the Friends & Family test, which provides feedback to the Practice. Jill also undertakes complaints audits on a regular basis. In summary, the text follow-up and other processes currently in place are considered to provide sufficient feedback for the Practice’s needs and any further mechanisms would cause additional administration which isn’t helpful or currently manageable. Jill is happy to ask for help on this issue if necessary, but it is not required at this stage.

Jill advised that most complaints are related to the lack of appointments.  There is often a discord between patients’ expectations and reality  - not aided by recommendations to consult the doctor printed on most medication. Written complaints by patients are relatively few in number (averaging 1 -2 a month) and Jill prefers to respond with a phone call to clarify the issue.

Pharmacies have been funded to attend training in minor ailments (eg sore throats, sinus problems, UTIs etc) and are a more appropriate starting point for such concerns.  The Practice’s Clinical Pharmacist, Harry, has expertise in managing hypertension. It was also noted that opticians are often best placed to recognise eye problems and can make hospital referrals when necessary.

Recent newspaper articles have referred to GPs gaining the option to refer patients directly for MRIs, CT scans and other tests without the input of a consultant. Dr Sekhon confirmed the introduction of any new processes had not yet permeated to GP Practices. He also questioned whether this would result in quicker diagnoses as specialists would still be required to interpret certain test results.

Group members queried whether the new large-scale diagnostic equipment - built over much of the car park at Woking Walk-in Centre - had yet had a noticeable effect on patients. Dr Sekhon suspected that following GP referrals patients might now be offered tests at Woking instead of other hospitals but the impact wasn’t yet clear.

6.      Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting is scheduled for 9am on Wednesday 23 April 2025.

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