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Patient Participation Group
The Allum Practice have an established Patient Participation Group. This Group consists of volunteer patients who contribute some of their time to the development of the Practice.
About the PPG
The aim of the Group is to hold monthly meetings to promote co-operation and strengthen communication between the Practice, patients and the wider community for the benefit of all. It will be a forum for constructive discussion in areas such as health, improvement of services and other topics determined by the Group.
Our Practice has an active patient group with over 12 members. The PPG operates on a voluntary basis, meeting every three months with members, a GP partner and members of the management team. During these meetings, we discuss patient-related issues and encourage patients to take an active interest in their healthcare.
The National Association of Patient Participation lists the following aims and objectives of a PPG
- Giving patient and health professionals the opportunity to meet and discuss topics of mutual interest.
- Providing a means for patients to make positive suggestions about the Practice and their own health care
- Encouraging health education activities within the Practice
- Developing self-help projects to meet the needs of fellow patients
Further information can be obtained from the PPG notice board in the Allum reception area where contact details are available. If you have any subject that you would like to discuss please contact Paul Doherty (PPG Chair) via The Allum reception.
Latest PPG Minutes
- Date: 1st June 2026
Present:
- Paul Doherty - Chairman
- Willard McCarty - Secretary
- Dr Surinder Seehra
- Gill Charters
- Fiona Davison
- Rukaiya Moola
- Sue Toole
Apologies:
- Vaish Sheth
- Atif Riaz
Paul opened the Meeting welcoming everyone.
Changes in membership to the group
There were no changes to the membership of the group but it was agreed that the secretary’s role would be split between Willard and Fiona. Willard will continue to give input to the agenda and Fiona will take the minutes and help with agenda.
Review of the minutes from the previous meeting
The Minutes of the last meeting were distributed and seconded. It was agreed that these would be published on the Allum website for patients to see.
Announcement and notices
There will be an organised walk around Olympic Park on 11th June as part of Diabetes Awareness week.
Items for discussion
Covid & flu jabs
Woodgrange Clinic run a covid vaccination clinic once a month for vulnerable patients from the Allum Medical Practice but this is not arranged by the Allum Medical Practice. Woodgrange clinic also organise covid vaccinations for housebound patients.
The Allum Medical Practice organises a flu clinic on a Saturday at the beginning of October. Flu vaccinations are also available at other times over the autumn and winter at the Allum Medical Practice.
It was also noted that blood tests can be done at the Allum Medical Practice.
Renewing Prescriptions
The web address for asking for prescriptions is to too long and read out too quickly on the recorded announcement when telephoning the Allum Medical Practice. It was asked whether the web address could be shortened to a tiny URL. If this is not possible could it be read out more slowly and clearly. This will be investigated and reviewed at the next meeting.
New business / proposals
Diabetes support group (Sue)
An evaluation of the group was carried out and it was agreed that the group was successful and should continue. Patient attendance and input varies but there is always a core group of people who attend. There is a second group that meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month and at Shernhall Street. These two groups are to be more widely advertised.
The groups would like someone to give a talk on supplements. Tanya, the pharmacist at the Allum Medical Centre, is to be asked for suggestions.
AOB
New IT System
A new IT system has been installed so that all patient data is now stored on the cloud. Patient data goes to the CCG. Barts NHS Trust (Barts, Royal London, Whipps Cross, Newham General and Mile End Hospitals) data is shared with the Allum Medical Practice.
Patient feedback forms
Dr Seerha was asked what the GPs would like to see on patient feedback forms. He responded patient access and what would improve it. The feedback forms are not for patients to talk about their complaints. The forms can be used as a means to ask patients if they would like to join the PPG. The limit of people on the PPG should be 12 to 14. The feedback forms would only be for primary care within the Allum Medical Centre. Sue will formulate a questionnaire, possibly with the help of a health champion, which will be reviewed at the PPG meeting in September. Secondary care such as Barts NHS Trust does its own feedback.
Reception
It was noted that the reception had been improved with new and welcoming receptionists.
Date of next meeting
Monday 7th September 2026 at 4:00pm hours at The Allum Medical Centre