Minutes of The Wells Medical Practice (TWMP) PPG Committee Meeting

To request minutes of previous meetings, please contact the practice

Date:

• 23^rd October 2025 at 12.30pm in-person

Present:

Practice members:

• Louise Handford (practice Manager
• Elle (Business Manager)
• Dr. Myers-Lamptey
• Jane (Reception Team Lead)

Patient members:

• Roderic Macmillan
• Deana Leadbeter
• Lucinda Curti
• Mike Tyrer
• Doreen Williams
• Inger Siegstad
• Sue Taylor

Apologies:

• Pam Royle
• Harriet Clare
• Elaine Lowe
• Jill Ruddock
• Nancy Stone
• Fiona Taylor

Updates

Anima (Online Consultation System)

• A recent Health Service Journal article raised concerns about online triage systems, contrasting with the practice’s positive experience.
• The BMA’s stance on such systems was also mentioned.
• It was agreed that communication to patients should emphasise that triage is always carried out by clinicians or receptionist and not by a computer.
• Future improvements hoped for include integration with the EMIS clinical system, allowing prescriptions to be requested via Anima and providing notification of prescription approval, like the NHS App.

Medical Students

• First-year medical students will visit the practice at the end of November.
• Volunteers from the PPG are needed to help with history-taking sessions lasting up to an hour per volunteer.
• PPG members should email if available.

Reception

• Jane, one of the reception team lead, attended the meeting.
• No major issues were raised; however, Mondays remain challenging due to high demand on the telephone.

PPG Chair update

• Lucinda will attend the Chairs’ meeting on the 06/11/25 and will report back to the group via Louise.

Menopause Morning

• A Menopause Morning event is planned for late January or early February 2026, likely on a Friday morning at the Camden Centre, which is accessible.
• A sub-meeting will be arranged to finalise details.
• Jill (currently away) will support the event alongside other PPG members, Dr Morris and Nurse Helena hosting.
• PPG members are invited to join a sub-team to assist with organisation.
• Action: Send a poll to determine the best date (end of January/early February) - LH

AGM

• The Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on 27/11/2025 via Teams.
• Invitations will be sent soon.
• It was queried whether the Patient Participation Group (PPG) will have a section at the end and Lucinda (chair) has agreed to complete this.

Flu Clinic Feedback

• Overall feedback was very positive.
• Communication issues arose for some patients who missed text or NHS app messages, leading to confusion about which level to attend and minor queuing.
• Suggestion: Send a reminder text on the morning of the clinic with location details.
• A need was identified for clearer instructions for couples/partners, especially those with dementia, to avoid separation.
• Lifts were operational but small and dark; a volunteer should be stationed by the lift at all times.
• One patient with a mobility scooter had difficulty accessing the lift.
• The idea of a satellite station downstairs for patients with mobility issues was discussed. Alternatively, a separate clinic for those patients could be held to simplify logistics.

Pam

• Pam’s agenda item regarding student support for The Dairy will be postponed to the next meeting.

Continence Service

• The group discussed raising awareness of the Continence Service, which supports men and women.
• Information has now been added to the practice website, linking to this underused but comprehensive service.
• The service provides holistic assessment, physiotherapy, home visits, and can self-refer to urology/gynaecology. Waiting times are short.
• Clarification: The service provides active treatment and assessment, while district nurses manage product distribution.
• Suggestions:
  • Add information about the service to the next newsletter.
  • Display details on waiting room screens.

Additional Discussion

Patient Information & Support on flu clinic days

• Discussed providing reliable information on vaccine side effects and safety statistics to counter misinformation.
• Options include leaflets or briefing volunteers.
• Emphasis on recognising and supporting carers by sharing details about Carer’s Recognition Act, Attendance Allowance, and local support services.
• Suggested inclusion in the next newsletter and on waiting room screens.

Next Meeting

• 4th December 2025 in person