The purpose of the PPG is to contribute to the continuous improvement of services and foster improved communication between the Hungerford Surgery and its patients.
June 2018 News
Missed appointments continue to run at approximately 90 a month in 2018. This amounts to 20 a week! With Dr Anderson’s impending retirement there is no doubt, based on past experience, that appointments are going to become a little harder to get in the short term so please use the cancellation line on 01488 682507, option 5 if you cannot attend an appointment. That way we can all help ensure there are appointments available when we want one.
With regard to appointments, there are an increasing range of healthcare professionals based at the surgery who might be more appropriate for your problem than a GP.
That’s why the person who answers the phone needs to ask you a number of questions to help get you to the right healthcare professional as quickly as needed. They are NOT looking to understand confidential medical or sensitive information but get you to the right person as soon as appropriate so please try to help them help you.
Good news at Boots – a permanent pharmacist has been appointed and there are definite signs of improvement. Staffing does remain an issue but we understand Boots are trying hard to remedy any shortfall.
The PPG continues to support a number of local support groups – The Cancer Support Group which meets at The Bear Hungerford from 2-4 pm on the fourth Tuesday of the month. They are having a coffee morning on 9th June from 10-12 in support of The Rosemary Appeal. The Carer’s Support Group which meets at the Tri-Service Station in Church Street, Hungerford from 10-12 noon on the third Tuesday of the month. In addition, the West Berks Diabetes Support Group now meets at the Methodist Church Hall, Bridge Street, Hungerford on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 2 – 3 pm and the 3rd Thursday of the month at 6 – 7 pm.
Finally, the Hungerford PPG AGM is on 10th July at 7pm in the surgery waiting Room. All patients of Hungerford Surgery are welcome to attend. Any questions or queries or matters to raise, please contact [email protected].
February 2018 News
In recent months, members have been pleased to hear that a number of staff positions have been filled. As a result, the surgery is now fully staffed and this has led to the wait for a routine appointment falling to approximately one week on average. Of course, we can all help to make this service even more efficient by ensuring we cancel any unwanted appointments. To make this easier, the surgery has introduced a cancellation line on 01488 682507, option 5. Please take the time to call if you no longer need your booked appointment because it will mean another patient can benefit from it.
The PPG continues to liaise with Boots pharmacy in Hungerford. It has been concerned to hear local people commenting recently on the level of service not being as it was. Staff at Boots have been made aware of these concerns and have explained that, at the time of writing, they do not have a full quota of staff including a permanent pharmacist. The PPG will continue the dialogue with the pharmacy.
The PPG group continues to promote a couple of local support groups – the Cancer Support Group which meets at The Bear in Hungerford from 2-4p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month and the Carers’ Support Group which meets at the Tri-Service Station in Church Street, Hungerford from 10-12 noon on the third Tuesday of the month.
If you have suggestions of what you would like your PPG group to discuss at future meetings or have questions or comments about this article, please e mail: [email protected] or leave a message at the surgery.
