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Patient Participation Group
Our Patient Participation Group (PPG) meets to provide a forum for discussion about the practice.
Half Penny Steps Health Centre is committed to ensuring our patients are fully involved in the development of services. We believe that you have an important contribution to make in our future development.
We intend to create a vibrant and inclusive patient group with the following objectives;
- To work with the Practice on developing its services.
- To represent the patients of the practice in the decision-making process.
- To put forward ideas which will help improve the service provided by the practice and the patient experience.
Latest PPG Meeting Minutes
- Date: Thursday 14th August 2025 at 5pm to 6pm.
- Location: Half Penny Steps Health Centre Waiting Area.
Attendees:
| Name and Role | Initials |
|---|---|
| Faraz Ali - Practice Manager | FA |
| Fatima Mutakabbir - Administrator | SR |
| Deonilde D'assuncao - Patient | DD |
| Ali Bachache - Patient | AB |
| Iyad Najdi - Patient | IN |
| Ayshe Dzhihan - Patient | AD |
| Mildred Mushonga - Patient | MM |
| Frances Haggett - Patient | FH |
| Mealania Astolfi - Patient | MA |
| William Robertson - Patient | WR |
| Ellen O’Shea - Patient | EO |
| Deborah Fiamberti - Patient | DF |
| Gillian Boland - Patient | GB |
| Ezzat Fahmy - Patient | EF |
Ground Rules:
- The PPG meeting is not a forum for individual complaints and personal issues
- Silence indicates agreement – speak up if you would like your suggestions to be a part of the discussion!
- Open and honest communication applies to all
- All views are valid and will be listened to
- Be flexible, listen, ask for help and support each other
- No phones or other disruptions
- Respect the practice and patient confidentiality at all times
- Discrimination on any grounds will not be tolerated
- Demonstrate a commitment to delivering results as a group
- Start and finish meetings on time and stick to the agenda
FA introduced the meeting to all patients and staff members present
- Patients and staff introduced themselves and how long they have been with the practice
- FA explained the purpose and ground rules of the PPG for all to adhere to
- Discussed availability of appointments and approximate waiting times
- Discussed the availability of appointments at St Charles if needed
- Discussed online services offered by the Practice and NHS
- Discussed process of moving to be fully digital which will open more space at the practice
- Explained survey results for the GP in comparison both locally and nationally
- Explained blood test policy at practice – with Paediatrics clarified if at practice or hospital
- Discussed the need to maintain bathroom hygiene and possible solutions for its upkeep
- Offered Statistics for DNAs (as requested from previous meeting)
Staffing Updates
- Clarified that Dr Said has left the Practice, and no longer offers clinic
- Explained that many new GPs will be joining us in the coming months and their schedules
- Explained the staff Rota for the clinical team with days available
- Discussed Prescribing Pharmacist team – services offered for patients; with lead clinician Ali K
- Clarification of roles for Nurse and HCA with increased appointment durations
- Discussed roles and responsibility of Admin team and Management Team
- Explained changes in medical reports team with senior admin staff taking over
- Explained additional staff present for services like FCP and MCMW
See our team pages for more information
Opening Times
- Clarified that opening times are: Monday to Friday from 8am to 6:30pm and Saturday from 9am to 1pm
- Clarified availability of blood tests due to collection times
- Explained available to contact by in-person, phone, emails and online apps – all monitored
DNA (Did Not Attend) policy
- Explained that if a patient DNA, they will receive a call asking for a reason
- If a patient DNAs 3 Doctor appointments in 6 months, they will be contacted for support
- If they continue to DNA appointments, their case will be reviewed and possible deductions
- Explained appointment reminders are sent the day prior to appointment to minimise DNAs
- If any confusion for any appointments, advised to call the practice to clarify
DNA Data
- July 2025: A total of 207 DNA Appointments, which wasted 48 hours of clinical time
- June 2025: A total of 241 DNA Appointments, which wasted 52 hours of clinical time
- May 2025: A total of 187 DNA Appointments, which wasted 41 hours of clinical time
Services Offered
- Highlighted the versatility of NHS app, with many present agreeing on its helpfulness
- Giving access to records to all patients – including appointments, results and prescriptions
- Use of our online system, which allows online appointments for patients
- Offering patients ‘booking links’ to allow them to book appointments as needed
- NHS choices – importance of promoting the service for benefit of patients
Learn more about the services we offer
Survey Results
- The statistics are available online - See our results
- Highlighted how the overall experience of the GP to be good is above average
Next Meeting
- The next meeting will be in 3 to 4 months (Planned for November or December 2025)
- Aim to discuss who is willing to take on the duties of PPG Chair and Vice Chair