We use cookies to make this site work. We'd also like to set optional cookies so we can understand how the site is used and improve it. We will not set optional cookies unless you accept them. You can change your choice at any time from the Cookie settings link in the footer.
Strictly necessary cookies
These cookies are required for the site to work. They store your cookie preferences and keep your session secure. They are exempt from consent under PECR Regulation 6(4) because they are essential to deliver the service you have requested.
Optional cookies
Optional cookies help us understand how the site is used and provide additional features such as analytics, accessibility tools and translation. We will only set them if you accept.
Patient Participation Group
Courtside Surgery has an active Patient Participation Group (PPG) and an Email Patient Participation Group (EPPG).
About our Patient Participation Group (PPG) and Email Patient Participation Group (EPPG)
The PPG meet every 6 to 8 weeks from 7pm to 8pm at the surgery, usually on a Monday, but for people who cannot or do not want to attend meetings, there is the EPPG.
As well as representing patients’ views, the PPG organises special events focusing on different illnesses/diseases. These informal evenings, where healthcare professionals give talks and advice, are for anyone to attend.
Visit the National Association of Link Workers to learn about the role of PPGs in social prescribing.
Interested in joining?
If you are interested in becoming actively involved with the PPG group or joining the committee, please ask for a form at reception or sign up online.
Signup or contact the patient group
The information you supply us will be used lawfully, in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. The Data Protection Act 1998 gives you the right to know what information is held about you and sets out rules to make sure that this information is handled properly.
Latest group meeting minutes
Monday 14th September 2026 , 7pm
Present
Jean Poole ( Chair and secretary), Ellie Rees, Lee Atkins , Tess Munden, Rob Munden, Ann Tunstall, Trudy Gwatkin, Lorraine Lambert, Barabara Bird, Mike Woodward, Maureen Woodward.
Welcome
Jean thanked those attending.
Apologies
Dr V Smith, Sharon Shaw, Rebecca Corbet-Pitman.
Approval of previous minutes
The minutes of 15th June were approved by the group.
Matters arising from previous minutes
- Patient information sessions – Ellie will take back action point to discuss with Dr Smith who was unable to attend the meeting.
- Update – It has now been agreed that small group health information sessions would be provided for targeted patients which will take place withing surgery hours and delivered by clinical staff. PPG support would not be involved. Identification of timing and suitable subjects for a wider audience for an open session , supported by the PPG, will be discussed with the GP partners. – Ellie to advise on the outcome
- Door locks on disabled toilets- a suitable lever lock has been ordered to replace the small “catch” lock on one of the toilets which is unsuitable. This should be installed shortly. After some discussion about access issues, it was suggested that the positioning of the toilet roll holders need to be reviewed. Also, it was agreed that it was important for patients to have access to both disabled toilets, so that each end of the building can support patients requiring those facilities quickly.
PPG issues
- Recording patient next of kin – following a specific concern , it was confirmed that a patient next of kin and /or POA ( Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare) can be recorded on the system at the patient’s request. This will allow those named to make enquiries or act on the patient’s behalf as appropriate.
- BP readings at home / text messages. – concern was expressed about the apparent inconsistency of data required and the process taken by the surgery team on receipt. Some specific examples were given. – Ellie will clarify the process and report back
- Update – the following process is currently in place :- On receipt of the information, the admin team follow a specific protocol written by a GP partner. A typical request is for 2 readings daily for 7 days, although this can vary. Depending on the data received , the patient may be advised that the readings are within the normal range, if high - referred to the surgery pharmacist for a hypertension appointment via a booking link, or if low - the GP will be notified to follow up. Should patients have any specific concerns themselves, then they should contact us online.
- Ad hoc letters from patients – a question was raised about the process to record information supplied in writing by the patient when not received via e-consult. Examples were discussed by way of aiding the discussion. Lee explained that the admin team scan the documents and information is highlighted and coded if necessary to identify specific conditions for follow up ( eg diabetes) and referred to the appropriate clinician.
- NHS App – there was a lively discussion about the ease of use of the NHS app and what information is available to patients. It was agreed that it takes time to be confident to navigate all the information, but once mastered can be very helpful. Given the publicity and ongoing expectation that patients will be communicated via the app even more , the meeting expressed concern that some patients are being “left behind” . The subject may be one for an information / support session in the future – Jean and Ellie to consider options
Courtside issues
- CQC ( Care Quality Commission) inspection – Ellie explained that the inspection targeted certain areas and the experience was both interesting and very thorough. Members of the management team were interviewed and a questionnaire had been submitted by the PPG chair for inclusion. The report was provided promptly and the overall scoring was GOOD as were each of the sections inspected. Full report details had already been cascaded to interested parties including PPG members. The PPG members present congratulated the surgery team on the outcome.
- Covid/ RSV clinics – plans were well ahead for the Autumn Flu/ Covid clinics based on the nationally approved patient target groups. These will start on Saturday 3rd October and continue with Tuesday and Thursday morning clinics for the following few weeks. PPG support has been arranged as in previous years. – Jean to confirm dates, times and volunteers
- Staffing update – Dr K Maguire has joined the team after the departure of Dr Hawkins.
AOB
- Physio referrals – a query was raised about the waiting period for a consultation and how priority was decided. Lee explained that the waiting times were not very long but an specific concerns about urgency should be highlighted on the e-consult or explained to the clinician when being referred.
Date of next meeting
- Next meeting – Monday 14th December 2026 (including AGM).
- 2027 meetings – to be decided.