On the 13th May 2025 we held our first PPG meeting of 2025 at the surgery and it was a great way to meet and engage with our patients to hear feedback and any general suggestions to assist in improving our healthcare service. Please have a read of the minutes below and see further details if you would like to come along to the next one.
PPG Introduction Meeting
Date and Time: Tuesday 13th May at 1-2pm, at Prospect Medical Practice
Attendees: Debbie (Practice Manager), Chereese (Reception Lead) x12 Patients (Attendance list kept at Prospect Medical Practice)
Agenda
Introduction
PPG – What it is and what are we hoping to achieve
PPG Roles
How often we should meet and when
Agreed method of communication
Other comments
Minutes:
Introductions: Debbie introduced herself and Chereese to the group, brief introduction by the partners, Dr Hedges, Dr Cubitt and Dr Lo (although the partners didn’t stay for the remainder of the meeting). All patients in attendance introduced themselves briefly to the group.
What are we hoping to achieve? Explained we are here to collaborate with our patients and give a good service where we can. We are open to new suggestions and feedback. Confirmed that the meetings are not a place for personal complaints but open discussions on topics that may affect the patients and general running of the surgery. The group asked for some feedback from other PPG’s/Practices about what has worked well and not so well, and things the PPG’s have achieved. Debbie confirmed she will contact some other practices before the next meeting to get some feedback to relay back to the group.
PPG Roles: Roles discussed within the group that would be required for the PPG going forward. Chair and Secretary initially with a vice chair if possible. We had some potential volunteers but agreed for everyone to go away and have a think about the roles and make a final decision at the next meeting. Responsibilities of these roles were briefly discussed. Debbie asked for anyone interested to let her know before the next meeting.
Meeting dates/times: Debbie asked the group what times were best for meetings, agreed the next meeting will be over a Tuesday lunchtime again, in August, as it appeared to be easier for the group. Debbie advised the group we are open to evenings and weekends also. Group agreement to meet quarterly and any urgent meetings for discussions can be held if something important comes up between scheduled meetings. We can also discuss holding the meetings at different local locations if required.
Commnication: The group were asked their preferred method of communication, via SMS / Email or post. Everybody confirmed they had use of mobiles (SMS) and emails. The group shared feedback to be mindful of those who may not be as efficient on mobiles / technologies. Debbie agreed we would be happy to use any method required to communicate with the group, and wider community where required.
Other comments:
- The group raised their concerns with the walk-in centre service which is currently in a consultation period to either reduce their service or close fully. There was an open general discussion around this and how patients would be affected. Debbie shared that there is no plan in place yet until a final decision is made. The consultation period should be completed by June so we should know the outcome before the next meeting so we can add to the agenda for the next meeting to discuss further.
- One patient requested that the surgery works closer with Boots, the pharmacy next door, going forward and asked if they could come to a meeting to discuss this. Debbie agreed to speak with Boots to organise them coming to a future meeting.
Actions:
- Debbie will contact some other practices before the next meeting to get some feedback to relay back to the group.
- PPG Roles – Please let the surgery know if anyone is interested in taking on the roles of Chair, Secretary, and vice chair – nwicb.prospect.prescriptions@nhs.net / 01603 488477 / online messaging
- Debbie to speak to Boots about attending future meetings
Next Meeting date – Tuesday 5th August 2025, 1pm, at Prospect Medical Practice