1. Introduction

• Introductions were given and apologies were taken.
• Lorne Williamson has resigned from the PPG so we would be looking to recruit into the PPG.
• We discussed the option of texting our patients to advertise the PPG with the view to bringing in a more diverse membership.

2. Matters Arising

• Lights in the waiting room – this is currently being looked at by KS and an electrician
• Providing information to the local magazines – KS is in contact with someone who may be able to help with this.

3. Update from the Surgery

• KS mentioned that Dr O’Sullivan will be leaving the surgery on the 20th March. We are pleased to announce that Dr Lorraine Peck will be joining us as a salaried GP and will be taking on Dr O’Sullivan’s list
• Dr Rodgers will be leaving the surgery on the 12th May to take up a lead GP role at another surgery. We currently have an advert out to recruit into her post.
• We have recently welcomed Dr Collett and Dr Paulino , two registrars to the surgery. They will be with us for a year.
• Our secretary has left the surgery, and interviews are currently taking place. This may result in some delay with certain letters etc., but we have a system in place to manage this whilst we recruit. 
• The appointment system was discussed – we are currently working on a “on the day” service, which we implemented during the winter pressure. WE are continuing with this to see whether this work well as a system. We found that patients who were booking appointments up to 5 weeks in advance were not attending, thereby increasing our DNA rates. The text reminders were working well , and we are also looking at using the AccuRx messaging system to alleviate the pressure of appointments.
• The feedback from the new phone system is much better – we are looking to implement the call back system from the 1st April.
• We discussed the blood tests at the surgery. We are no longer able to do the bloods for those who are under 75 and able, these patients will be directed to the Park & Ride at Newmarket Road. We continue to provide bloods for those vulnerable patients, those over 75, any patients with chronic conditions, and those who are on medication that need monitoring. Bloods are offered through the extended hour’s service on a Tuesday evening at Orchard, and on a Saturday at Comberton Surgery. We discussed the difficulties with the Park & Ride, and suggested that individuals get in touch with the local MP to voice their concerns about the funding surgeries are receiving.
• We briefly talked about the difficulty of juggling and prioritising the funding that we receive, and the difficulty that the rise in minimum wage and the National Insurance contributions is causing the surgery.
• We have been designated as a Veteran Friendly practice – which means that we can now signpost our veterans to services more likely to meet their needs
• We have also been designated a Park Run Practice, which means we positively encourage the park runs in the area. We are associated with Wimpole Hall, and we completed the first park run in January.

4. AOB

There were no AOB’s in the meeting.

5. Next Meeting Dates

The proposal was made to hold the meetings in the evening to support those who may wish to join and who commitments during the day. The meetings to be held in reception at Orchard Surgery. Dates agreed were:

• 9th June 2025: 6:30 pm to 8pm
• 8th September 2025: 6:30pm to 8pm
• 8th December 2025: 6:30pm to 8pm