This meeting was held via Microsoft Teams and included PPG members and RPC staff representatives. Meeting minutes are reviewed for accuracy and fairness, and personal information is redacted for compliance with UK GDPR.
1. Introductions and Apologies
New attendees were welcomed, including the Clinical Director and Pharmacy Operational Lead. Apologies were received from one member.
2. Approval of Previous Minutes
The March minutes were approved with one correction: the Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place in May, not April.
3. Introduction from the Clinical Director
The Clinical Director shared her background and vision for RPC, emphasising:
- A commitment to frontline clinical work to better understand patient and staff experiences.
- A collaborative approach to transformation, involving both staff and patients.
- Development of a five-year strategy aligned with Chesterfield Royal Hospital and NHS England priorities.
- A focus on preventative health and community engagement, with support for initiatives like Dr Fenton’s health programme.
4. Action Tracker Updates
Key updates included:
- Call Disconnection Issues: No faults found; future incidents should be reported with exact time and date.
- Walton Hospital Blood Tests and NHS App Update: Publicised and corrected.
- Callback Timeframes: Under review to ensure patients are informed and can communicate availability.
- Wellbeing Session Notices: Still outstanding.
- Practice Leaflet: Circulated.
- YouTube Audit: Ongoing, update expected at next meeting.
5. Pharmacy Update
The Pharmacy Operational Lead outlined her role in medication safety and prescription management. Key points:
- Green Inhalers: Emphasis on reducing waste by issuing canisters only.
- Medication Compatibility: Prescriptions are reviewed for safety; concerns should be raised with the surgery.
- Branded Medication: Generic prescriptions are standard, but patients with sensitivities may need to seek specific brands from different pharmacies.
6. Practice Update
Staffing and Operations
- A new Head of Operations has been appointed.
- Online triage tools are being explored to standardise patient access across practices.
CQC Inspection
- Brooklyn Surgery received positive feedback during its inspection, with praise for management and clinical practices.
Telephony and Appointments
- March saw a record 19,000 calls answered, up from 9,000–11,000 previously.
- Call-back system is effective, with 5,800 requests and 5,500 successful.
- Appointment availability has increased, with a 70:30 split between face-to-face and remote consultations.
Quality Outcomes
- RPC achieved 25 out of 26 QOF targets, with baby vaccinations remaining a challenge due to hesitancy.
Digital Transformation
- Focus on consistent triage and online consultation systems across Derbyshire.
- Two digital tools are under review, with PPG input requested.
- The aim is to ensure equitable access and safe, guided pathways to care.
- Implementation is expected next year, pending funding.
New Roles and Facilities
- Social Prescriber Link Workers are being onboarded.
- Funding secured for GP Assistant roles in pharmacy, mental health, and nursing support.
- Barrow Hill Health Hub is under refurbishment, with plans for multi-agency clinics and outreach services.
7. Questions for the Practice
- Urgent vs Routine Appointments: Patients struggle to differentiate and book in advance. Guidance is needed.
- Survey Timing: A recent survey closed too quickly; this was acknowledged as a system error.
8. PPG Matters
- AGM Notice: Scheduled for May.
- Patient Information Network: A Facebook-based initiative to share health information securely.
- Hidden Disabilities: Concerns raised about visibility and misuse of lanyards and badges. Further review to follow.
9. Other Business
- Parking Issues: Ongoing concerns at Inkersall, particularly in disabled bays. RPC does not own the premises and shares space with other services. Staff safety remains a concern due to incidents.
Next Meeting
Date: Thursday 16 May 2025
Time: 4–6pm
Location: Microsoft Teams
Format: PPG Meeting and Annual General Meeting
Do you want to work with Royal Primary Care to improve patient experience and outcomes? Use our online form to join our Patient Participation Group.