PPG Meeting Minutes 19/3/2025
PPG Meeting 19th March 2025 @ 18.30
Attendees:
Dr N Neminathan (NN)- GP
Dorota Choi (DC) – Practice Manager
Monique Luciano (ML) – Deputy Practice Manager
Patients: JD, DS, JK, DL, MS
Apologies: LE, GM, MK
- Welcome, introductions and apologies
5 patients attended the meeting, with 3 apologies, unable to attend. Attendance increased since last meeting with 2 additional members committed to future meetings. It was commented from last meeting that communication improvements were needed – issues with meeting notifications and updates. This was acted on and resulted in better attendance following improvements.
- Minutes and actions from last meeting
Chair members were elected and agreed upon: Joanna Dabrowska and Mariam Salek were elected as Co-Chairs by PPG members in attendance. ‘Terms of reference’ to be updated and redistributed to members.
Agreed meeting frequency will remain quarterly.
Apologies given by Dorota that agreed points to be presented at the Acton PCN on 4th & 5th December were not presented or discussed as she was not given the opportunity to do so. As the meeting was hosted by the PCN, it was a specific agenda agreed by them and differed to what had initially been thought.
- Update on recent Changes to Practice Name, Doctors and Partnership
Practice name change to GP Surgery @ Acton Gardens is now official and accepted by the ICB which was first step. Process will now be started to update all NHS systems and other bodies that interlink.
Dr Bennett is no longer at the practice as a partner. Dr Spencer-Lane (salaried GP) has agreed to join the partnership with Dr O’Connell. Also, Dr O’Connell has taken the decision to reduce her hours at the surgery. To ensure the practice meets the requirements as per contract to have adequate GP appointments available. Dr N Neminathan has joined the surgery to replace Dr Bennett.
Additionally, Dr Truchan, who is a Polish-speaking GP, has also joined us on a long-term locum basis.
Application to expand the Catchment area has been submitted – awaiting response.
- Planned Telephone & IT Improvements for better access
Options for new AI telephone system being explored – Will offer alternative contact routes including text/WhatsApp and Multiple language options to be available. Surgery is also pushing for increased NHS app usage.
- Healthwatch Ealing working alongside to support PPGs
Information was given about the organisation Healthwatch Ealing and the work they do to bring about better outcomes for patient care within the healthcare setting as a whole covering General Practice, hospitals / Secondary Care & Dentist.
From contact with the surgery, they have indicated a representative would be more than happy to attend future PPG meetings to support the PPG further. It was agreed to invite them along to the next meeting. This will be arranged by ML.
- Social Prescribing Engagement
Suggestion for a representative from the SP team to attend forthcoming meeting/s to provide awareness on different services available.
Mental Health open day proposed with Social Prescribing engagement.
- Agenda for future meetings to be agreed in advance by both PPG and practice
Next meeting provisionally agreed for Tuesday 17th June @ 18.30. Dependant on availability of other members who have expressed an interest but unable to attend this meeting. Confirmation will be sought and fed back if date is confirmed. Future agendas to be jointly developed between practice and PPG members.
- AOB
Parking issues discussed as aware it can be problematic for patients, especially the elderly. PPG member, JD, to assist with council engagement regarding additional pay & display parking bays.