Patient Participation Group

Chair – Bob MacDonald

I love living in Kings Hill with my wife Jan and have been here for the past five years, but have lived in Kent for the past thirty. I run my own training and management consultancy company, having previously been a director in a number of the UK’s largest defence contractors. Two of my three daughter’s are married and also live on Kings Hill. My interests are playing the keyboard and guitar, walking and going to the theatre besides having the privilege of helping my six grandchildren flourish.

Treasurer – Margaret Hall

I have lived at Kings Hill for 16 years so I know the area well. For the last 6 years I have worked for the Clinical Research Network, the research delivery arm of the NHS. In addition, I have had many years’ experience of working in the NHS as a clinician and I’ve also worked in the voluntary sector. I have been a magistrate since 2002 and find the work challenging but interesting and rewarding. I enjoy travelling to different parts of the world and experiencing different cultures.  

Committee Member – Mary Rayner

I moved to Kings Hill from Surrey 10 years ago but I’m originally from the North East of England. I am married and have two grown up children and two small grandchildren, one of whom I look after quite regularly. I retired five years ago from The Royal College of Surgeons of England where I had worked for 16 years. My work took me to hospitals all over England and Wales but it was working in hospitals in Egypt, India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia that made me realise how precious the NHS is.

Committee Member – Barry Evans

After retiring in 2000 after 30 years of Banking I taught IT for 5 years at West Kent College, before finally retiring in 2005.  I am now a keen bell ringer at West Malling and Mereworth, and I also ring regularly at a number of other Churches in Kent. I am currently Vice Chairman of Kings Hill U3A (University of the 3rd Age).

I play guitar in a local group, and I run a couple of local cycling groups, to try to encourage more local cycling in the lovely Kent countryside. I feel that my years of experience with the Bank and with WKC will help in the PPG with its liaison job between patients and practice.

Committee Member – Elaine Hall 

I was born in Margate and after living in various parts of the Country and overseas, I returned to Kent in 1990 and have been living in Mereworth for the last 13 years. Most of my life has been spent in Primary Education and before retiring, I was Leader of Learning and Head of Key Stage One at a local primary school. I also started a Parent Forum Group which had similar aims to the Patient Participation Group in encouraging greater involvement and closer links between parents and teachers. I understand the pressures public services are under and am keen to support the Practice in any way I can. Retirement has given me the opportunity to pursue my many interests including singing, painting, gardening, keeping abreast of current affairs and scientific research, and having fun with my two young grandchildren.

Committee Member - Lynn Hunt  

Committee Member - Ellie Millsom

Chair – Bob MacDonald

I love living in Kings Hill with my wife Jan and have been here for the past five years, but have lived in Kent for the past thirty. I run my own training and management consultancy company, having previously been a director in a number of the UK’s largest defence contractors. Two of my three daughter’s are married and also live on Kings Hill. My interests are playing the keyboard and guitar, walking and going to the theatre besides having the privilege of helping my six grandchildren flourish.

Treasurer – Margaret Hall

I have lived at Kings Hill for 16 years so I know the area well. For the last 6 years I have worked for the Clinical Research Network, the research delivery arm of the NHS. In addition, I have had many years’ experience of working in the NHS as a clinician and I’ve also worked in the voluntary sector. I have been a magistrate since 2002 and find the work challenging but interesting and rewarding. I enjoy travelling to different parts of the world and experiencing different cultures.  

Committee Member – Mary Rayner

I moved to Kings Hill from Surrey 10 years ago but I’m originally from the North East of England. I am married and have two grown up children and two small grandchildren, one of whom I look after quite regularly. I retired five years ago from The Royal College of Surgeons of England where I had worked for 16 years. My work took me to hospitals all over England and Wales but it was working in hospitals in Egypt, India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia that made me realise how precious the NHS is.

Committee Member – Barry Evans

After retiring in 2000 after 30 years of Banking I taught IT for 5 years at West Kent College, before finally retiring in 2005.  I am now a keen bell ringer at West Malling and Mereworth, and I also ring regularly at a number of other Churches in Kent. I am currently Vice Chairman of Kings Hill U3A (University of the 3rd Age).

I play guitar in a local group, and I run a couple of local cycling groups, to try to encourage more local cycling in the lovely Kent countryside. I feel that my years of experience with the Bank and with WKC will help in the PPG with its liaison job between patients and practice.

Committee Member – Elaine Hall 

I was born in Margate and after living in various parts of the Country and overseas, I returned to Kent in 1990 and have been living in Mereworth for the last 13 years. Most of my life has been spent in Primary Education and before retiring, I was Leader of Learning and Head of Key Stage One at a local primary school. I also started a Parent Forum Group which had similar aims to the Patient Participation Group in encouraging greater involvement and closer links between parents and teachers. I understand the pressures public services are under and am keen to support the Practice in any way I can. Retirement has given me the opportunity to pursue my many interests including singing, painting, gardening, keeping abreast of current affairs and scientific research, and having fun with my two young grandchildren.

Committee Member - Lynn Hunt  

Committee Member - Ellie Millsom

Present

Debbie Dean, Dr Andy Swindlehurst, Bob MacDonald , Katie Garlick, Neil Sherlaw, Margaret Coleman, Peter Pennells, Trudi Dean, Bill Banks, Sara Margetts, Wendy Rush

Apologies

Lynn Dalmeida, Maggie Mancktelow, Jackie Strong

Minutes of Last Meeting

Minor amendment to one name in previous minutes. Minutes then approved.

Matters Arising

Anima Relaunch

Bob was due to meet the Anima team about a relaunch but hasn’t progressed due to holidays.

• Action: Bob to rearrange meeting with Anima team and report back at next meeting.

Transport to Kings Hill

Margaret reported on two meetings with local bus operators. Providers believe existing services are sufficient.
A community bus (old “Number 58” service) was suggested to serve surrounding villages (Ryarsh, Birling, Leybourne). Previously closed due to lack of funds.

• Action: Margaret to keep dialogue open with bus companies and Parish Council; revisit community bus idea.

Communications Plan 

Michael has stepped down from the PPG, leaving the plan without a lead.

• Action: New lead to be identified; Bob to discuss options with group.

Patient Survey

Survey closed June; results not yet analysed. Manual paper responses still to be entered. Neil to lead analysis with Bob and Charlotte supporting thematic review.

• Action: Margaret/team to enter paper responses.
• Action: Neil and Bob to meet, review data, and produce draft analysis.
• Action: Charlotte to support thematic grouping of comments.

Posters for Support Sessions

Margaret has not yet received posters from Jackie.

• Action: Jackie to resend posters; Margaret to confirm receipt.

Pop-Up Display / Publicity Materials

Bob attempted design but image quality was too low and copyright issues arose.

Bob’s daughter (a designer) working on new visuals; Margaret suggested AI-generated group images (used by Parish Council).

• Action: Bob to coordinate with daughter on design.
• Action: Margaret to connect Bob with Tash (Parish Council contact) for AI/image support.

Practice Update

Phone Calls and Anima Registrations

• 17,381 patients now registered with Anima (out of 21,000).
• Phone calls reduced year-on-year (5,446 → 4,038).
• Most calls answered, some abandoned voluntarily

Staffing

• Two new receptionists recruited (one started; one starting soon).
• Still recruiting to cover hours lost through staff turnover.

NHS Contract Changes from October 1st

Anima must remain open for non-urgent requests throughout the day.

Concern raised about:

• Risk of inappropriate “urgent” issues being submitted as non-urgent.
• Increased workload for GPs and potential patient safety risks.

GP Connect system will also allow pharmacies and external providers to write directly into patient records, further safety concerns raised.

• Action: Debbie/Andy to trial new Anima settings and monitor impact.
• Action: Practice to draft patient communication explaining changes (already in progress).
• Action: PPG to support with community messaging once final approach is decided.

Flu Vaccination Clinics

Clinics confirmed for 4th October and 11th October.

Single vaccine being used for all groups this year (simplifies logistics).

Online booking system to be used again (worked well previously).

Staff numbers still being finalised, but flow expected to be smoother than last year.

• Action: Bob to confirm which PPG members can assist with queue marshalling.
• Action: Practice to send out invites to patients once clinics are on system.

Local Plan and Housing Development

Concerns raised about significant increases in housing numbers in the upcoming Borough Council local plan.

Lack of clarity on provision for surgeries and other infrastructure.

Section 106 (developer contribution) funds exist but are delayed in being released for use.

Ongoing discussions between Parish Councils and NHS/ICB about how funds can support local capacity.

• Action: Margaret to speak to Parish Clerk about funding discussions.
• Action: PPG to prepare to coordinate community responses when draft plan is published (likely October–December).

Anima System Update and Workshops 2025

Ongoing need for patient support with Anima and NHS App.

• Proposal: run further drop-in support sessions at community venues (e.g., Parish Council hall during Monday café).

Reception staff noted as key “experts” in resolving app glitches; PPG would need a way to escalate queries.

Suggestion to combine NHS App setup support with Anima training.

• Action: Bob to convene Anima support group to plan next sessions.
• Action: Margaret to speak to Parish Council about using hall and aligning with community café.
• Action: Practice to nominate staff contact(s) for technical issues.

Next Steps

Working groups to reconvene:

• Patient survey analysis (Neil, Bob, Charlotte, Margaret).
• Anima support planning (Bob + volunteers).
• Communications plan (new lead required).

Review of Section 106 and local plan developments at next meeting.

Date Of Next Meeting

• Wednesday October 15th 2025