Medical Practice patient meeting

The Audlem Patient Participation Group met last week at the Medical Practice. All seven members were present – David Mason, who chaired the meeting, Janet Maughan, Marion Hough, Bob Cartwright, Geoff Farr, Anne Roberts, plus medical practice manager Helen Matthews and Dr Peter Leftwick.

The panel discussed the new Patient Participation leaflets produced by the practice. As well as giving information on the Patient Panel, they also list the services provided by Audlem Medical Practice:

Services

• Doctor appointments and Nursing Services
• Specialist Clinics for Diabetic; Asthma; Heart Conditions; Stroke; Chronic Lung Disease
• Well Man/Woman
• Minor Surgery
• Blood Testing
• Spirometry (lung function tests)
• ECGs (heart function check)
• New Patient Checks
• Contraception and Sexual Health
• District Nursing
• Health Visiting
• Visiting Services – Midwives/Podiatry/Diteician

It is planned that the leaflets, which also include useful telephone numbers, surgery times and details of out-of-hours services, will be distributed door to door shortly and will also be available on Audlem Online.

The panel was given feedback from Anne Roberts on a workshop she attended where Issues discussed included automated booking in systems, email access to appointments, newsletters, school presentations and the value of joining the National Association of Patient Panels.

Peter Leftwick reported on the progress with the plans to extend the practice and approximate timescales. The panel was briefed on the alternative larger scheme combined with an indoor sports centre which has been put on hold because NHS funding is unlikely in the current financial climate.

Feedback was given on the pilot appointments scheme. This has resulted in far less pressure on the appointment system and has had a positive impact on the practice as a whole. The check-in screen is working well with a few minor usage issues.

Out-of-Hours cover was discussed with Peter Leftwick describing how the policy of providing medical cover out of hours has changed over the last few years. The PCT is now responsible for care between 6.30pm and 8.00am. It was stressed how important it is to still call the surgery telephone number (01270 811440) should you need a GP out of hours, as this ensures the correct number to call will be given to the caller.

Wednesday openingPeter Leftwick said that, from the beginning of September 2009, the practice will stay open on Wednesday afternoons. The issue of Saturday morning opening was discussed.

Other issues discussed included Statins, Child Protection Procedures and it was agreed that Health Promotion ideas and the role that doctors at Audlem play in terms of emergencies and urgent care be discussed at the next meeting which is to be held on Tuesday 29th September.

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