Patient Participation Group Meeting Minutes – Tuesday 17 June 2025
Attendees: Dr Brown, Louise Armstrong, Michael N, Jackie S
Apologies – Patient A
Introductions: Dr Brown introduced himself as one of the GP Partners of Horden Group Practice. Introductions made from all present and new member Jackie was welcomed to the group.
Updates since last meeting:
Dr Brown told members that there have been some changes in staffing since the last meeting. Since the last meeting we hired receptionist Hannah who has sadly left us, but we have now employed a new receptionist, Caitlyn. We have had the retirement of Diane who served the practice for over 40 years. Dr Brown explained the new management structure and how things would work now that Diane has gone. He explained that we have 3 GP registrars who will be leaving us this year, and we will be getting 3 new GP registrars. Dr Koganti has sadly handed her notice in, and we are currently interviewing for a new part time GP. Jackie asked what a registrar was and Dr Brown explained that a GP registrar is a qualified doctor who is undertaking their training to become a General Practitioner (GP).
Vaccinations (Reviewed from previous meeting in February)
Dr Brown explained that we ran a successful Saturday covid and flu clinic and we vaccinated over 400 patients. He explained that uptake is continuing to decline around all vaccinations including childhood immunisations.
Secondary care waiting lists (Reviewed from previous meeting in February)
Dr Brown discussed problems with waiting times for patients being seen in secondary care. He pointed out difficulties with patients who are waiting a long time to be seen by specialists in hospitals meaning they are frequently attending the surgery with little that can be done. Waiting times for assessments for ADHD/Autism are especially long and children are waiting up to 4 years to be seen meaning parents are presenting at the surgery asking for help and little can be done in primary care. Dr Brown explained problems in which private companies are being used for these patients under a right to choose but that the process is not deemed sufficient for diagnosis therefore follow up is difficult and NHS providers have decided not to prescribe medications to these patients.
Complaints
Dr Brown spoke to members about the possibility of a change in our complaint’s procedures. Currently all complaints are sent an acknowledgement letter followed by the practice investigating the complaint fully. Dr Brown proposes that complaints that do not meet certain criteria are sent a letter to explain that their complaint does not meet the threshold and no further action would be taken. This would include details of what to do should they still feel they wish to pursue the complaint. PPG members agreed that this would be the most time efficient way of dealing with complaints.
Car Parking
Dr Brown mentioned that there are going to be some changes to parking facilities at Peterlee site. He explained that as we must pass through castle dene car park to access the surgery car park, that we are liable to a fine should we stay in the car park more than 3 hours. Previously all staff would add their registration to a keypad and all would be exempt. Now the car park owners are proposing we have a set number of cars allowed. This will cause problems firstly due to the car park not being big enough for all staff anyway and if staff use up all the space, no patient spaces would be available. Dr Brown proposed that the car park be made staff only excluding 2 disabled bays. PPG members agreed.
The next meeting date will be agreed shortly, and we will send this out via text to those with mobile numbers or letters for those who don’t. Please let us know if there is anyone who expresses interest in attending future groups.