1 – Present

Roly Buss (chair), Ray Hardisty (secretary), Kevin Starling Val White, Marilyn Rivett, Trevor Ireland, Rose Skingsley Keith Brooks and Helen Mouncher.

2 – Apologies

Carol Brand, Robert Brand, Mary Russell, Pam Robertson and Carrie Ransom.

3 – Statement

The new Practice Manager, Christian Jennings, who had introduced himself at the February meeting, had decided to resign.

4 – Minutes

Minutes of the February 8 PPG were amended with full names of those attending and then accepted as a correct record.

5 – Matters arising

There were none

6 – Practice Report

Helen reported:

Phones

No Activity Reporting for Feb as upgrade to system

Staff

Christian Jennings no longer at the practice

Prescription Supervisor – advert closed and at interviewing stage

Respiratory Nurse – awaiting applicants

Covid Vaccine

Inviting Cohort 1-6 (anyone over 64yrs of age and high at risk)

• Vaccinated 70% of our eligible patients
• 2383 left to vaccinate in the practice in total
• 642 patients left to vaccinate in cohort 1-6
• 19 housebound left to vaccinate
• 20 Care Home patients left to vaccinate
• Wednesday 17th March 8am-8pm vaccine clinic at Tollgate for all Colte patients – invite only

Venues

• Colte Practices, Mersea, Colne, Tiptree and Tollgate
• Primary Care Centre (mainly Pfizer)
• Shrub End Surgery
• Castle Gardens Medical Centre
• Parsons Heath medical Practice
• Wimpole Road Surgery
• Stadium (Government run)

7 – Bid to increase involvement of virtual members in the PPG

A report from the working group looking at wording for a newsletter encouraging the wider age ranges and diverse ethnic backgrounds of those in the virtual group into greater involvement with the active group of the PPG was agreed unanimously.

8 – Facebook update

Kevin reported the site now had 476 members

He considered more should be done to ensure there was a flow of information from the Practice.

9 – Updates on PPG membership

Ray reported no change at 379 thanks Active (13), Reserve (15) and Supporter 351.

10 – Newsletter

Members agreed the March edition should concentrate on the statement agreed under Item 7.

11 – North East Essex Health Forum

Ray updated members

12 – Any Other Business

Roly outlined the benefits of a Type 2 Diabetes course for patients with the problem

13 – Outcomes

a) Hearing of the latest phone system developments

b) Understanding the success of the Practice in organising vaccine rollouts.

c) Hearing there is to be a covid clinic held at Tollgate.

14 – Next meeting

Monday, April 12 again on Zoom