The group was set up in July 2008 to enable patient participation to take place with Holt Medical Practice.
It is recognised that patients can play a positive role in their own health and wellbeing and can also contribute to the decision making process within the practice. The staff have actively supported the setting up of the group and value the partnership that has been formed.
By invitation and nomination a committee was formed to steer the initial tentative steps of the group. Now, a year later, we are ready to have our first AGM which will take place on 15th September at 7.30pm at Holt Community Centre, when a constitution will be launched and a membership list started from which a committee will be elected.
We have had two open meetings in our first year and hope to continue these. We also hope to start a newsletter to be sent to all members to keep them informed.
Our aims are;-
To provide a means for patients to make a contribution to the continuous improvement of services of the Holt Medical Practice by way of positive suggestions
To encourage health education and patients taking an interest in their own health
To influence any changes to provision
To provide a channel of communication between the practice and its patients
To hold open meetings on specific topics
The Holt Area Patient Group is convinced that by working together with the doctors and other practice staff we will be able to improve healthcare and the services provided by Holt Medical Practice.
Ann Poberefsky
Chair
Holt Area Patient Group meeting
Thursday 19th May 2011
Present:
Norman Cooker – Holt Caring Society Ann Poberefsky – Chair
Suzanne Mills – Holt Medical Practice Lal Wright – Glaven Caring Committee
Lisa Pittingale - Holt Youth Project Maureen Buckey – Glaven Caring Committee
Emma Cletheroe Bridget Cuthbert – Holt WI
Bob Prescott – High Kelling Parish Council Dr Franklin – Holt Medical Practice
Phil Hall – Holt Medical Practice Sue Preston – Holt Medical Practice
Apologies:
Debbie Parry – Health Visitor Jamie Merritt – Holt Youth Project
Julie Alford – Holt Youth Project
Maggie Prior – Holt Town Council
1. Welcome
2. Minutes of Previous Meeting
No amendments were made.
3. Matters arising from minutes not on the agenda
Lisa reported from the Holt Youth Project and explained their Young Carer’s Group. She has asked that if anyone knows anyone who would benefit from this group, then to please tell them about it.
4. Report from Practice Representative
A new doctor has been appointed, Dr Justin Farthing, who will start in August.
The practice has been testing shiny paper for printing a new practice leaflet and the newsletter. Dr Franklin asked the group to draft up what they would like to say in the leaflet about themselves. It was reported that the Fakenham Practice prints 9,000 leaflets per quarter and it has been distributed in the Fakenham Sun. An abridged version is printed in parish magazines. Otherwise they are left out to be picked up. Fakenham Surgery report that they get a lot of feedback from the newsletter. Norman said that it would cost £35 to insert a newsletter into the Holt Chronicle.
Dr Franklin also asked the Group to look at the website to see how they think it works and whether they can offer any ideas for improvement.
Dr Franklin reported that the pharmacy was still going strong and it was discussed whether there needed to be a queuing system in place. It was agreed that a roped area would be preferable to a ticket system.
5. Correspondence
Norman read out the letter he received from Norman Lamb. Ann will be forwarding all correspondence regarding the Emergency Services to Norman Lamb. She will also be writing to find out whether targets on time limits are being met in rural north Norfolk.
Bridget produced a letter asking if we wanted to be a part of a Community Societies Fair on 17th September. It was agreed that Norman would book at table (£5) and the day would be split up so everyone could participate.
Emma had a letter at her Parish Council Meeting from NNDC about another meeting on 20th July. She agreed to attend.
6. Any Other Business
Norman reported on his attendance at the Sheringham patient participation group. They organise a weekly raffle which raises quite a lot of money for equipment for the surgery. Bridget was not keen on raffles and it was agreed that she would think of some other ideas for raising money. Norman will invite a member of the Sheringham patient group to attend a meeting here.
It was also noted that Sheringham Patient Group had a logo and it was discussed whether to ask Holt Youth Project if they could design one for this group.
7. Date, time and venue of next meeting
Thursday 7th July 2011 at 10.00am at Holt Medical Practice.