Previous Meeting Minutes

Wednesday 12th March 2025

Wednesday 4th June 2025: 5pm

Welcome Everyone

Introduction of new members: (John Shiel)

Members of the Group introduced themselves and a warm welcome was extended to John Shiel who was attending his first meeting.

Attendees

Eddie Kingston (in the Chair), Jules Darling (DWP), Joanne Hodge, John Miller, David Payne, Andrew Richardson, John Shiel and Mike Trimming

Apologies for absence:

Dr Alford, Sally Fox (PCN), Graham Smith (Community Links) David Armstrong, Susan Weedy, Chris Million, Heather Walker and Andy Hannah

Matters arising from previous minutes

Joanne referred to a glitch with the Family and Friends link to App and with uploading photos to the system, which now appeared to be resolved. Members to pass on any further feedback on system to Joanne. In response to a query from David, Andrew mentioned that there had been some unavoidable delay uploading staff availability to the system which reduced flexibility in booking appointments.

On the issue of appointments, John queried how the system worked for those unable to access an on-line link. [Subsequent to the meeting, agreed a need to prompt surgery colleagues booking appointments on behalf of patients to check and note whether a text or phone call response is required.] 

Jules Darling DWP (discuss role)

Jules explained how, together with her colleague Jason, she was supporting patients to get back into work or to return to work through a range of interventions as appropriate to the needs of the individual. Whilst only recently introduced into Bedlingtonshire, they were working with a total of 13 surgeries in the area and had achieved significant success. She noted, however, that due to accommodation issues she was, of necessity, delivering much of her support via telephone, albeit she recognised that in many cases a face-to-face meeting was preferable. Mike undertook to raise the issue with the Chair of the Town Council to see if accommodation could be provided within the Community Centre.

Community Links (Joanne to pass on update)

Joanne noted that due to lack of accommodation it wasn’t possible to go ahead with the blood pressure checks offered. 

Resignation of Secretary (Joanne)

It was noted that, after many years as Secretary, Chris had reluctantly decided he could no longer continue in the role, though he would remain a member of the Group. In noting Chris’s decision, the Group extended their collective thanks for all his work as Secretary.

Nominations/Discussion Re: Chair/Vice-chair/Secretary

Agreed (in his absence) Dr Alford as Chair, Eddie Kingston as Vice-Chair and Mike Trimming as Secretary

Practice update

(Joanne/Andrew)

Andrew provided an overview of key staff changes, noting that a replacement physiotherapist had been appointed to replace Gondai Pahla. The new physiotherapist would be available in surgery 2.5 days each week.

Monthly Health Reviews

These were now being completed on-line. Some issues over access which was via the NHS App. Some suggestion that the form almost encouraged an exaggeration of symptoms.

System online Update

As previously discussed,.

DNA – update

No longer routinely collected but this would be kept under review.

Friends and Family – update:

Discussed data collection. Eddlie volunteered to attend surgery as required. Agreed Mike would liaise with Joanne with a view to inviting PPG members to participate in an in-surgery data collection effort. 

NAPP – Update (Sally PCN) To C/F next meeting

In the absence of Sally, item deferred to next meeting.

Any Other Business

Referencing Health Reviews, David raised a query in respect of height and weight.

Date & Time of next meeting

5.00pm, Wednesday, 3 September 2025