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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: 14th July 2025
- Present: Willard McCarty - Secretary, Dr Surinder Seehra, Gill Charters, Fiona Davison, Rukaiya Moola, Sue Toole (new member)
- Apologies: Vaish Sheth, Keith McCarthy, Atif Riaz, Paul Doherty
Paul opened the Meeting welcoming everyone.
Apologies for absence : Vaish Sheth Keith McCarthy Atif Riaz Paul Doherty
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.
Willard welcomed everyone to the Meeting and especially to Sue who has agreed to become a PPG Member. Sue attended alongside Rukaiya as they are working on a project together.
The AMC GP patient 2025 survey results were distributed to members. Dr Seehra said that this Survey ranged from January – March 2025. The survey showed that access had improved and this was due to a conscious efforts from members of staff and our ‘new’ telephone ring back service. This service enables patients to keep their place in the queue and be automatically called back by the system when it is their turn. This has proved very positive.
Dr Seehra explained that we have screens in reception that show how many calls are incoming and those that have been answered. Reception have also been down on manpower due to many reasons but these are being/have been addressed.
Fiona mentioned could we not use ‘bank staff’ to cover sickness. Gill explained that our staff need to know what to do and bank staff unless trained would not be able to cope with reception. Our reception staff will normally cover for each other when they can.
Suel asked re obtaining appointments. Gill mentioned that we also have ‘e consult’ which is accessible through our website.
The Allum also hosts the ‘Extended Hours’ clinics for the PCN (Primary Care Network) where patients can make appointments (face to face) after 6.30pm and on weekends with GPs, Nurses or HCAs.
Willard was ‘sceptical’ using our website and agreed it is not for everyone. Our website has now been changed to a much user friendly model. Willard still thinks the website needs improvement.
The GP survey showed that overall the results for clinical are was very good.
Willard questioned the role of the PPG and any thoughts. Gill explained that it was up to the PPG members to become more involved, Rookaiya said he can be put in touch with other PPG members from other Surgeries. Sue mentioned ‘health champions’ and arranging a ‘drop in coffee morning’ to meet patients. Ruklaiya too as a Social Prescriber was best placed to help patients with social issues. It was agreed it was good idea and needs to be arranged by members. Dr Seehra said that we would gladly offer the hall (if free) for this purpose.
Willard said that he would like to be informed of any NHS health changes and the current state of the Practice. Dr Seehra said that there is nothing relevant to tell – major changes are normally broadcast on the news channels. Also our website has the latest NHS current affairs.
Dr Seehra said that it is likely that PCN’s will be expanding to increase services and give same day access patients. A&E and 111 can access to book patients directly to see GPs at the Allum.
AOB:
Sue talked about Diabetes type 2 clinics at The Firs in Walthamstow which are held once a month where there is normally a health champion life coach available and peer support. Rookaiya very keen to get going on this project for the Allum. Sue applying for funding. The group talk about their health and it is open to anyone in Waltham Forest.
Dr Chana (Diabetic clinician at the Allum) is very keen on idea and looking at possibly October/November.
The meeting closed at 5.45pm
Date of next Meeting: Monday 20th October 2025 at 16:00 hours at The Allum Medical Centre