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Minutes of meeting – Monday 15th June 2026 , 7pm
Present
Jean Poole ( Chair and secretary), Dr Vicky Smith, Ellie Rees, Lee Atkins , Tess Munden, Rob Munden, Ann Tunstall, Trudy Gwatkin, Sharon Shaw, Kerry Harding , Lorraine Lambert
Welcome
Jean thanked those attending
Apologies
Barbara Bird, Mike Woodward, Maureen Woodward
Approval of previous minutes
The minutes of 23rd March were approved by the group.
Matters arising from previous minutes
- Patient information sessions – Dr Smith thought it now unlikely that a session could take place combining “Lifestyle measures to reduce Dementia risk” and “Diet Management” as was hoped , but would look again at the option of a lunchtime session to fit in around work schedules. Dr Smith to discuss with GP colleague who had offered to present
- Covid/ RSV clinics – these were held in April and supported by PPG members. They were well received by patients. 1268 Covid and 610 RSV vaccines were administered. Patients eligible but who missed the RSV vaccine would be picked up individually.
PPG issues
- Support for patients with disabilities – a full discussion took place about how the surgery supports patients including those that have hidden disabilities. It was agreed that a full walkaround , as had been done previously, by PPG members and the practice manager was not required. However, it was agreed that the disabled toilet facilities needed to be reviewed in particular the door locks to ensure they are easy to use. – Ellie and Lee to investigate
- Jean introduced information about 2 specific charities that people may not have been aware of :-
- Sunflower Hidden disabilities - who can supply lanyards and badges ,which can be personalised and are well recognised in the UK and other countries. Some of the group were already aware of the scheme but commented that some people would not want their issue identified by wearing a lanyard ,whereas others would find it very helpful. That point was acknowledged by the group. An example of the lanyard and personalised badge was passed around to view.
- Shine The other was a specific charity ( Shine) supporting those with spina bifida and hydrocephalus including NPH ( normal pressure hydrocephalus) , which is a treatable form of dementia. Not many in the group had heard of NPH which is a common condition and is often diagnosed as Dementia or Parkinsons. The charity has produced a letter , specifically designed for GPs and a copy of this was handed to Dr Smith to share with colleagues.
- Carers support - following a question from a member of the group , attention was drawn to the specific notice board for carers which is located by the check in screen. It includes details of the support available from the team based in the centre at Fishponds and how to obtain a carers card. An example of the card was shown to the group together with an explanation of how it’s used
- Single patient record – information on this had been in the news recently. A lot of information from patients records are already shared across NHS services but there is a long way to go to make the system fully accessible so it could be some time before improvements are seen.
- Medication safety alerts – following receipt of a recent alert by a member of the group, a question was asked about how regular this happens and some personal experiences were shared. Dr Smith said that information is received 2/3 times a week on average and that the surgery clinical pharmacists deal with the issues raised and action taken to advise patients affected promptly.
- South Glos car parking charge changes – a short period of free parking was going to be introduced in the council owned car park next to the surgery together with a reduction in charges. There was no change to the arrangements for patients attending the surgery who can enter their reg number on the tablet provided to register for 2 hours free parking
Courtside Issues
- Staffing update – Sadly, Dr Hawkins will be leaving the surgery in August as she and moving to a new area. A replacement is being sought.
- CQC ( Care Quality Commission) inspection – Ellie had been notified during the afternoon that a visit will take place on Tuesday 23rd June. On-line interviews with staff will be taking place a few days prior and it’s possible that the inspector may also wish to speak to PPG members. Those present who were willing to be contacted advised Ellie that their email addresses could be passed on. ( Jean, Tess, Rob, Ann, Sharon, Kerry and Lorraine). A text message had already been sent to a lot of patients with a link to provide feedback should they wish to do so.
AOB
- New committee member – Lorraine had attended a few recent meetings as a guest and member of the email group. Those present agreed that she should now become a committee member which would help maintain numbers attending.
- Our future Health letters – these had been sent direct to households in the area some months ago , however, no-one present had taken the opportunity to be part of the research programme mentioned.
Date of Next Meeting
- Next meeting – Monday 14th September 2026 ( incl AGM)
- Subsequent meetings – 14th December