| Meeting | PPG Meeting |
| Date and Time | 12th August 2020 at 12pm |
| Location | Zoom |
Members Present
| Name | Site/Organisation |
| Tracy Kocabali | Enfield Unity PCN Operations Manager/ Nightingale House Surgery Practice Manager |
| Dr Ujjal Sarkar | Enfield Unity PCN Clinical Director/ MHP- Lincoln Road Medical Practice GP Partner |
| Dr Sally Jowett | Infection prevention and control Lead GP / Forest Road Group Practice/ Medicus Health Partners |
| Priya Ashra | Senior Clinical Pharmacist/ Medicus Health Partners |
| Sarah-Jane Hope | Enfield Unity PCN Operations Support Officer |
| Janice Downing | Medicus Health Partners PPG Chair |
| June Armitt | Nightingale PPG Chair |
| Maria Christoforou | Lincoln PPG Chair |
| Peter Gibbs | Cockfoster PPG Chair |
Apologies
| Name | Site/Organisation |
| Elena Dellafiora | Oakwood PPG Chair |
| Item | |
| 1. Welcome | Tracy opened up, everyone introduced themselves |
| 2. Services | Dr Ujjal Sarkar – There was a coronavirus outbreak at Freezywater practice in May. Patient care was not effected as they were seen at other sites. We are recruiting allied health professionals on a rolling monthly basis- will need an additional 69 staff over the next 3 years including senior management. Quite an undertaking. We also need space for all these staff members, we are finalising an estates plan at the moment. Microsuction- we are running the first such service in Enfield. Patients can be referred by their GP NCL CCG has asked practices to use eConsult which links in with practice IT system, to offer digital consultations to patients. Patients who are able to use IT can access advice, appointment and practice services by sending a digital consultation at a time that suits them. Practices generally respond to eConsults in 2-4 hours. Telephone and video consultations are offered to reduce footfall at practices and reduce cross infection risk. Feedback has been positive. Maria Christoforou added that she has also heard positive feedback and Janice Downing said that the Forest PPG is very happy with the service. Peter Gibbs asked how Dr Ujjal Sarkar sees this continuing. Dr Ujjal Sarkar explained that digital technology will be more embedded and embraced in future across the NHS. The PCN is working with University College London Partners on a pilot program to improve outcomes for patients with long term conditions such as diabetes, atrial fibrillation and hypertension by utilising allied health professionals to proactively review their care. The PCN is now responsible for enhanced care in care homes. We have 1000 residential beds and aim to improve the management and care of patients 7 days a week. Peter Gibbs asked about the move to withdraw or reduce some services to Enfield patients. Dr Ujjal Sarkar said that the ‘procedures of limited clinical effectiveness’ are decided by North Central London CCG- no additions have been made to the list recently. June Armitt asked what the situation is regarding Covid in Care homes. Dr Ujjal Sarkar fed back that things have improved greatly. Dr Sally Jowlett said a huge amount of work has been done to support care homes locally. |
| 3. Presentations | Dr Sally Jowlett – GP Partner at MHP Forrest Road. Coronavirus assessment service ‘Hot Hub’ lead and infection prevention and control specialist. The coronavirus pandemic has forced practiced to change the way they operate. Patients are being managed remotely whether they have symptoms or not as you can be infections without having symptoms. Practices are only seeing patient face to face where it is absolutely necessary. How this is managed varies from practice to practice depending on available space and layout of the building. Practices are encouraging patients to monitor their conditions at home, such as buying their own BP machines and emailing in the readings. This is to reduce the risk of cross infections. We now email or text patients forms and letters etc. June Armitt said she has noticed care home staff wearing uniforms outside, who is responsible for infection control in care homes? Dr Sally Jowett explained most are private organisations working for NHS England and regulated by CQC. In her experience care homes were quick to implement infection control procedures locally. Janice Downing asked if there any light at the end of the tunnel. When can patient face to face groups resume? Dr Sally Jowett responded there is still the need to keep 2 meters apart. Safety is paramount. Hopefully Forrest Road can accommodate some small groups soon. Dr Sally Jowett will contact Carol Adal the Infection prevention & Control Nurse for MHP. Priya Ashra – Clinical Pharmacist, Medicus Health Partners explained the role and function of the Clinical Pharmacist workforce. June Armitt said she was very impressed with the Clinical pharmacist at Nightingale. Janice Downing added it should have happened years ago. |
| 4. Questions | Peter Gibbs asked what the plans for the flu vaccination this year? Dr Sally Jowett explained, each site has a lead and plans are in progress for outdoor clinics, with spaced appointments, over weekends. There are new groups of patients added this year, including people who live with someone who is shielding. Peter Gibbs asked about school immunisation program? Dr Sally Jowett said, it is not our area but any children that get missed are sent to primary care for ‘mop up’, meaning practices will then chase the children who missed the immunisation. |
| 5. AOB | Oakwood’s PPG Chair, John Hill passed away. Condolences to his family. |