Present

• Colin Huckle (Chairperson)
• Abbigail Langstone-Wring (Vice Chairperson)
• Michael Lidstone (Secretary)
• Marian Huckle
• Hilary Lidstone
• Janice Moss
• Jennifer Debenham
• Ellen Zapiec
• Geoff Pritchard
• Angela White
• Tina Usher (Trainee ACP and Partner)
• Sue Wilkins (Practice Manager)

Apologies For Absence

Mary Webb, Jim Gammans and Tracey Dolbear

The minutes of the previous meeting on 1 December 2025 were approved. Colin welcomed Jennifer, a new member of the PPG.

Election Of Chairperson, Vice Chairperson And Secretary

In the absence of any nominations, the current holders of these posts were happy to continue for another year. Again this was approved.

Matters Arising

Parents Of School Children Parking In Surgery Car Park

Sue has again contacted the school to remind parents that the surgery car park is only for those attending the surgery. After a short period of compliance, parents have continued to use the surgery car park, though it is mainly a problem during school pick up time. The Surgery felt it would be too expensive and with little cost benefit to employ the use of a private parking company. The situation will continue to be monitored, especially as patient numbers are increasing.

Purpose And Benefits Of A PPG

These are listed on the new PPG noticeboard. Abbigail mentioned that the terms of reference for the PPG had not been updated since 2020, but are now shown on the web-site.

Organised Walks For Patients

Abbigail has been making plans for these walks to take place after Easter on Friday afternoons at 2.00 pm from the surgery car park, weather dependent of course. The walk will be along the Rodwell Trail, stopping for refreshments at Sandsfoot Castle Café before returning to the surgery at 3.30 to 4.00 pm. She has done a risk assessment, and volunteers will be required to lead and support the walking group following on-line training. The walks will only be advertised by the surgery, and are for the health benefits of patients.

The PPG group are in full agreement of these walks, and people wishing to volunteer need to contact Abbigail.

Patient Feedback

Since the previous meeting on 1 December Abbigail had e-mailed to the group, a draft patient feedback form. To enable maximum response from patients, it has been kept short and simple. After appointments at the surgery, patients can complete an on-line or paper copies held at reception. As well as age categories, and for gender identity purposes, it was agreed to add ‘Prefer not to disclose’ category, rather than just Male and Female.

The aim of this voluntary questionnaire for patients is to record patient experiences, and to help provide a better service given the current resources. It is intended to launch this survey shortly. Sue will arrange to print and arrange for staff to offer a copy to patients.

Surgery Update

Sue reported that there are currently about 8,500 registered patients, and with new patients joining from other surgeries, or new to the area, it has been decided to cap the number at 10,000 patients, due to the relatively small size of the surgery and number of GP’s. Dr Rachel Stone will be re-joining the practice, and 2 new young male GP’s have recently started. During a transition period, some staff will undertake further training. To enable improved patient care, it is planned that eventually all patients will be allocated their own GP, with a back up arrangement if that GP is away. This process is estimated to take at least a year, with the elderly and vulnerable having priority allocation.

The surgery plans to have a small portacabin erected on part of the staff parking area (only 1 staff parking space will be lost), and will be used purely for triaging patients.

This April there will be a Spring Covid vaccination programme at the surgery, for the 75 and over, and the vulnerable. It is likely this will be undertaken annually in future, just like the flu vaccination.

Mike asked if the refurbishment of the surgery was still in progress, and Sue replied that that part of the surgery used by GP’s and treatment rooms is still to be completed.

Future Place And Time Of Meetings

Some members of the group provided alternative venue suggestions for future PPG meetings in order to meet in private, as patients can be in the surgery waiting room up to 6.30 in the evening. These included the Palm House Café, Dry Dock and Centenary Club, but all are some distance from the surgery. Sue mentioned that the nearby Care Home, Anning House does have a meeting room, and would likely be free at about 5.00, a time which suited most members of the group. She will contact the manager of the home.

Chairs Of PPG Group Meeting And PCN Meetings

Colin mentioned that the monthly PCN meetings are mainly an update on the PCN services. The January meeting looked at a revised strategy vision for the Weymouth and Portland area, which included a more community focused approach, including social events, neighbourhood care, healthy living events, etc. There will be a single point of access for accessing such events in the local neighbourhood. Digital technology will be rolled out, including more user friendly IT systems and wider access to digital champions. One problem raised was patients who were not able to download (or print) newsletters in pdf format.

At the PPG Chairs meeting Colin referred to role of digital champions at other surgeries to help patients who are not on the internet. Also he and Sue reported that the timed appointment system for vaccinations has been running smoothly at our surgery. In Weymouth, The Lantern Trust which helps the homeless people and those with mental health issues are planning to open a new drop in centre at 56 St. Mary Street.

AOB

Nothing to report

Date Of Next Meeting

This will be in early May with the time and venue to be decided.