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Patient Participation Group
Meeting Notes August 2025
Meeting Notes of Thursday, 14th August 2025
- Time: 5pm to 6pm.
- Location: Half Penny Steps Health Centre Waiting Area.
| 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