Sept. 25, 2023

Minutes

Those attending: Sandy Ross-Brown, Anna Larking, Diane Parkinson, Paul Haskell, Mike Garrett,  Richard Flattau, Jake Baldwin, Margaret Phelps, Max Nicholson, Charles Hawkshaw-Burn, Lynn Siveyer,

Apologies: Tony Curry, Gill Fellows, Susan Heightman, Amar Bhogal

  1. We had a very energetic, enthusiastic and productive meeting. We welcomed Charles to the EGS PPG – we are delighted Charles has joined the team. Sandy gave apologies for those unable to attend. Minutes of last meeting agreed by all.
  2. Sandy spoke on behalf of all the team when she paid tribute to the wonderful Monique – an wonderful lady and such a special member of our PPG – who passed away just a few weeks ago on July 8th. And also to our ‘larger than life’ colleague and amazing team member – Barry, who passed away in June. We had a tear in our eye but a smile on our face at special memories. Charles – Monique’s partner – joins our PPG to continue her interest and support of the practice.
  3. It has been some months since we held our last meeting – this has been due to members and family of members being poorly and time was needed to focus on personal needs. Sandy welcomed everyone back to a bright, new PPG year with lots of plans for the future. Caring for Carers will be a topic to focus on – with lots of groundwork already in place where Mike had met with Action for Carers and Anna had met with Citizens Advice. We will aim to gather as much information as possible about local caring services so we can share it with patients and their carers and patients who are carers. We will plan to hold a stall at the Esher May Fair and Sandy will book the space in January. We will also consider a patient educational event – perhaps on Diabetes – at the surgery in the Spring of ’24. All further ideas are welcomed.
  4. Suggested that the next meeting – November – gives an opportunity to discuss the Caring for Carers project only.
  5. We spoke of ‘how to get the COVID Autumn Booster vaccination’ and about the Influenza vaccine. The practice will offer the service to all eligible patients – the main clinics being on Saturdays through October. PPG team members will endeavour to be present on some of the Saturdays to promote the PPG and perhaps attract new members. Anna and Sandy may attend on the 7th and Charles on the 14th – Sandy will join if she can. We may introduce a brief questionnaire for team members to use to speak with flu attendees and ask they know of the local services / what areas of help and advice would be beneficial.
  6. Sandy asked if a representative could share the viewing of NAPP and Surrey Heartlands updates, attend the occasional meeting. Charles offered to share the NAPP links and it was agreed that Lynn will share with the whole team the incoming information from Surrey Heartlands.
  7. Mike reported that the newsletter is more or less ready for circulation – just a few more details needed from the practice. All All CH-B LS All MG LS JB ESHER GREEN SURGERY
  8. Lynn updated the team on the change to digital on-line patient triage and the efficiencies made, how the phone lines remain open for all patients, particularly those with no access to IT. Using the website for appointment requests, prescriptions, etc. Using the NHS App which links in with the site. How patient responses – through the Friends & Family feedback tool – have been extremely positive. Visit the site at: Homepage - Esher Green Surgery
  9. Lynn advised the team of the QoF and it’s yearly agreement by practices to reach certain targets. That this year, it includes practices running an active and productive PPG. We have achieved that already but can go beyond.
  10. Dr Catherine Glass has joined the clinical team as a salaried GP – her usual working days are Monday and Thursday but she often works other sessions too.
  11. Sandy thanked Mike very much for all his support and being her ‘go to’ colleague for advice and time for PPG discussions and plans. The whole team thanked Sandy for her amazing leadership skills and for continuing to bring the team together for meetings - which continued, on Zoom, through the Pandemic months. We are very lucky.
  12. Planning diary:  Saturdays in October - Flu clinics 08.30 – 13.30. During October - Issue the PPG newsletter. Tuesday 28th November - PPG meeting – Zoom – focusing on Caring for Carers. Early Spring - Plan an educational evening – Diabetes? May Fair date tbc - We will book a stall at the Fair and plan the best use. Thank you everyone