Patient Participation Group

 

Oundle Patient Participation Group is a group of volunteer patients who meet regularly with GP practice staff to discuss and support the running of the GP practice.

We look at the services the practice offers, patient experiences and how improvements can be made for the benefit of patients and the Practice.

All patients are welcome to apply to join if interested by completing our secure online form

oundle patient participation group

PPG: questions and answers

The Patient Participation Group has regular Q&A meetings with the Practice Manager. The purpose of these is to give feedback to the Practice on any concerns/questions or positive comments, that patients would like to put forward. These meetings are separate to the usual PPG meetings which take place independently.

This is not a forum for patient complaints and these should be addressed directly to the Practice Manager as per NHS guidelines.
We assure you of our ongoing support.

Latest meeting minutes

  • Date: 12th March 2026
  • Time: 5.30pm
  • Location: The Surgery Glapthorn Rd Oundle
 

Attendees

  • G Blagden (PPG)
  • A Christmas (Acting Chair PPG)
  • S Edwards (Practice Manager Lakeside Oundle)
  • S Mulroy (PPG)
  • S McLeod (PPG)
  • S Oakes (PPG)
 

Apologies

  • S Davidson, Dr R Naidoo. It was noted that in the event of Dr Naidoo not being available for a PPG Committee meeting, the the Committee would welcome another Doctor to the meeting and an open invitation was given.
 

Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on the 15th January 2026 were approved.

 

Matters arising not dealt with in the agenda

SMcL raised the issue of the appointment of a new GP Partner. The post was originally advertised in April last year, but there were no suitable candidates. SE confirmed that the matter is at present in abeyance and will be revisited when Dr Grigson returns from maternity leave in April. At present a locus stands in for Dr Grigson. SE explained as to GP attendance and the impact of 3 Trainee GP Registrars on 18 month cycles. There is still a contract with the School. Monday is the busiest day for Doctors, but as a result of Anima between 8.00 and 9.00 this last Monday, there were only 5 telephone calls.

 

The AGM (AC)

AC reported that the Constitution had been finalised and SR reported that the date provisionally agreed for the AGM had now been taken by the Spring Covid Vaccination Campaign and so it was agreed that the AGM should be moved to the 9th May at 11.00. Ac to put up a notice of AGM in the practice 3 weeks before that date incorporating an agenda including, the adoption of the Constitution, the election of Committee members (nominations duly proposed and seconded to be received by the Chair via PPG email address or in writing at the Practice at least 7 days prior to the meeting date. AC to circulate the final version of the Constitution. When the Notice of Meeting is posted, it will then go on to the Facebook Page. AC to notify SM.

 

Social Media and Patient Feedback (SM and SO)

SM reported that the Facebook Page had no additional members. SM requested that the Lakeside website advertise the PPG Facebook Page and that was agreed . SE to action. SM reported that he was reposting videos etc that appeared on the Lakeside website. There were no adverse issues to report as to patent feedback save for one anonymous note as to repeat prescriptions.

 

Data and Patient Participation in Surveys (SD)

SE presented a pre-circulated set of data. SE said there were some good results and areas that need improvement. There was a detailed discussion as to the split of telephone and face to face appointments. Oundle book more on line appointments than the national average. SE emphasised that in all necessary cases patients receive a face to face appointment. The data was further interrogated by the Committee. It was noted that the data was collected in a nationally prescribed format, not a format prescribed by the practice. SE urged that patients use the Admin section of Anima. That would result in better and speedier outcomes for patients. The use of Anima has resulted in zero patients waiting in the car park at 8.00 in the morning morning. SMcL queried as to the Anima capacity being limited and SE indicated that this only happens at 5.00pm or if the total of urgent requests reaches 150 in a day. The number of calls to the practice that fail are in the region of 20%. That is not good enough and a solution is being worked on. A caller is offered a call back option if they are less than number 10 in the queue.

 

Community Infrastructure Levy Projects (SE)

Following the January PPG Meeting SE circulated a very helpful resume of the workings of the CIL/S106 process, together with a spreadsheet showing the cash contributions made by each Oundle development site totalling c. £140,000. The money is there but the Practice must bid for it from the North Northants Integrated Care Board (ICB), by way of a fully worked up plan with costings and quotes. In essence the funds can only be used for capital projects to create new capacity. GB asked as to projects that would utilise the cash deposited with the District Council. A project is in the early stages of formulation and SE will report further at the next meeting.

 

Changes to GP Contract 2026/27

A paper from NHS England had been circulated prior to the meeting. SE indicated that this being published on the 24th February, had yet to be worked through by the ICB so at the moment the impact on Oundle was yet to be determined. However SMcL caught and received confirmation that repurposed funding could now be used for a fully qualified GP. SMcL indicated that as a result of these changes, there is now a core requirement for “continuity of care” but that definition is difficult to interpret, and that gave rise to debate. This matter is to be an agenda item at the next meeting in order for an update to be given

 

AOB

SE indicated that help may be needed for the Covid Clinic on the 25th April, and he would send out an email to the Committee if help were needed.

 

Date of next meeting

11th June 2026