Spring has brought more change to the surgery. There is a new Interim Practice Manager Natasha Stoyanova, who joined the practice last month. Talking to reception staff, we’re hearing her working practices have been welcomed and it’s good news for us patients in that she sees us as her priority!

One of committee members, Clare, and I spent our second afternoon session in the surgery at the beginning of April, where we were able to talk with patients attending the surgery. It was a busy afternoon in the waiting area, the day after the Easter break, so we sat in the foyer, a good spot apart from the heat! We talked to several people, and it was great to hear that there have been overall improvements in how we access our health care from the surgery. At our recent monthly meeting, we fed back the comments we had from patients which mainly centred around how to access appointments. Reading the ‘ how’ on the website, we recognised it is confusing – easy once you know how but not so if you don’t attend the surgery very often. We will be working with the surgery to see if amendments can be made.

Clare and I were also struck by comments about how accessing care was in the past. Noting the many changes in clinical staff in the surgery over the last year, having a familiar GP is something patients clearly miss. Similarly not always seeing a GP – nowadays patients often see a clinician from a different discipline – is again something that takes a while to get used to. However, we were, in the main, pleased to hear that patients are having a much more positive experience. In saying this, I appreciate it’s not the same for everyone.

Dr Sunassee, one of the partners, gave our evening Health Talk this month on the menopause – with a little personalised input for them from Dr Sunassee given the low numbers. Since the talk, we have discovered that some interested people did not see the advert for the talk although it was on our Facebook page and on our website. There was a suggestion from a patient that text messages are sent out. We have discussed this with the surgery for some time now and it is not feasible because of the cost. Discussions are still ongoing about how FPS might best reach out to patients.

Our next afternoon visit to the surgery is on 5th May from 2-4 pm where you’ll find us in the foyer unless the sun shines too much! We’d love you to come along and speak with us. The importance of patient feedback can’t be underestimated when there are so many changes in health care both nationally and locally. You’ll see minutes of out monthly meetings on our website as well as information about upcoming Health Talks.