Minutes of meeting – Monday 23rd March 2026 , 7pm

 

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Present

Jean Poole ( Chair and secretary), Dr Vicky Smith, Anna Rushowski, , Tess Munden, Rob Munden, Barbara Bird, Ann Tunstall, Mike Woodward, Maureen Woodward, Trudy Gwatkin, Sharon Shaw, Kerry Harding , Rebecca Corbet- Pitman

 

Welcome

Jean thanked those attending

 

Apologies

Ellie Rees, Lee Atkins, Lorraine Lambert

 

Approval of previous minutes

The minutes of 12th January were approved by the group.

 

Matters arising from previous minutes

  • Patient information sessions – Dr Smith had approached some GP colleagues and it’s likely that a session could take place combining “Lifestyle measures to reduce Dementia risk” and “Diet Management”. The group agreed that a lunchtime session might be useful to pick up the expected target group. Dr Smith to investigate suitable dates for early summer
  • Patient appointment log in screen- this had recently been changed to be compatible with enhanced software programmes. The screen is straightforward to use and is now located on the left of reception. Although the new location can be a little awkward should there be queues, there were limitations on the installation requirements for the new system.
  • Paperwork with urine samples – it was confirmed that these had been amended to exclude symptom information as samples are usually requested following a consultation , so information is already held on record.
 

PPG issues

  • Entries on EMIS and NHS app –from the experience of some members of the group , it had been noted that there were differences in the way medical conditions were listed . Dr Smith explained how the NHS app entries had additional information regarding significance and status and that some conditions de-faulted to a standard entry after a period. As the data is referred to by many NHS clinicians, specific concerns should be reported to the team for validation.
  • Patient numbers - these had reduced recently but the total is still over 15,000. With recent changes and the use of different health professionals , there is no set GP/patient ratio but the surgery is well placed in terms of workload balance.
  • Impact of loss of hot water on 11th March – unfortunately the surgery had to close for a period that day , pending an urgent repair due to infection control protocols. Updated risk assessments are in place reflecting on that experience.
  • PPG membership – new members are coming forward but at a slow pace. The continuing involvement and enthusiasm of the committee is appreciated.
  • Information cascade to members – the group agreed that type and frequency of information sent out eg Patient Association Newsletters was about right
 

Courtside Issues

  • Covid/ RSV vaccination clinics – these will be starting in April ( 16th, 21st, 23rd, 28th ) and will be 9-12 each morning. Booking invitations started going out on 20th March for the target group which is over 75s and those with specific health conditions. As previously , PPG members will be assisting with queue management. – Jean to co-ordinate volunteers
  • Staffing update – A new HCA and receptionist had started recently and Dr Hawkins has returned from maternity leave.
 

AOB

  • A question was raised about the use of AI in the e-consult process which is used in some locations and some members felt “empathy” would therefore be lacking. Dr Smith confirmed that this was not in use at Courtside, which re-assured the group.
  • Appointment follow up slots – Concerns were raised about the availability of appointments when a specific follow up period was required. Dr Smith confirmed that GPs have their own follow up slots to book themselves as required.
 

Date of Next Meeting

  • Next meeting – Monday 15th June 2026
  • Subsequent meetings – 14th September (incl AGM), 14th December