Queensbridge Together Patient Participation Group

 

Aims of Queensbridge Together

  • To facilitate good relations between the GP practice and patients by communicating patient experience, interests and concerns and providing feedback to the practice on current procedures and proposed new developments
  • To work collaboratively and positively with the practice to improve services and facilities for patients and to act as a sounding board for practice staff on issues affecting patients
  • To build two-way communication and co-operation between the practice and patients, other individuals and organisations in healthcare, and the wider community to the mutual benefit of all
  • To act as a representative group to support the practice and influence local provision of health and social care

 Full terms of reference

The group is currently Chaired by Henry Jones and meets quarterly with Ms Fozia Ahmed (Practice Manager) and Dr Patrick Hutt (GP Partner)

We are always keen to welcome new members to the group. If you would like to join please sign up online. You are also welcome to call the practice or pop into speak with one of the reception team to pass on your contact details.

Queensbridge Together has been influential in supporting the implementation of the new phone system (specifically the messages that patient’s hear when they call), giving feedback on our online consultation platform, and highlighting the needs of people who may finder it harder to access online services.

Our next PPG meeting: 22nd April from 5.30pm to 6.30pm

Useful information on patient participation 

SIGN UP TO THE PPG

Latest PPG Minutes

If you require a copy of any previous meeting minutes please contact us

22nd April 2026

  • Time: 5pm to 6pm
  • Attendees: Dr Hutt, Kelley McGuff, Danny Russell, Alan Russell, Sue Shutter, Janet Mrinyiru, Dee Bee, Anthony Cowan, Valerie Quelcutti, Carol Campbell, Roisin
  • Apologies: Eleanor
  • Venue: Meeting Room 
  • Chair: Henry Jones
  • Minutes: Fozia

Previous minutes

Reviewed  

Welcome

Henry Jones welcomed everyone at the meeting, minutes of the meeting discussed.

Patient Experience

Alan raised concerns regarding medication shortages. PH reminded the PPG that if a pharmacy is unable to supply a patient's medication due to a shortage, the pharmacy should contact the practice directly. FA will speak with local pharmacies to establish whether there have been any ongoing issues with medication shortages. Where a medication is unavailable due to a confirmed shortage, it should be temporarily removed from the patient's repeat prescription list until it becomes available again.

Danny mentioned there are no FFT paper copy sheets in Reception for patients to give feedback.

PPG questioned reception training, FA said they have an induction, we are aware that we do have young receptionist who do not have a lot of experience, but we are in the process of recruiting.

Reception screens were discussed patients find it hard to communicate with the team. FA to add to reception agenda to discuss with the team.

Practice Update

PH updated the PPG group on CQC inspections are taking place in practices in City and Hackney. Mission Statement shown the PPG and it has been updated onto the website.

Together Better

Kelley updated the group on the range of activities and services available through the practice. It was agreed that posters should be displayed in clinical rooms to raise patients' awareness of the support and services available.

A.O.B 

  • Room 8 Lighting, FA informed the group that we are currently obtaining quotes from engineers for the lighting works at the practice.
  • The group reviewed the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section of the practice website and discussed its content.
  • Dee raised a query regarding test results. PH explained to the group that not all patients are contacted with their test results. Patients with abnormal results, or where follow-up is required, will be contacted by the practice.
  • Roisin raised the importance of ensuring that GPs check and clearly explain the correct dosage, how long medications should be taken and any changes to treatment when prescribing. She also asked that GPs review patients' existing repeat medications before issuing further prescriptions to ensure they remain appropriate.
  • PPG complemented the practice.
  • The option of allowing PPG members to join meetings via Microsoft Teams was discussed. FA will send a Teams meeting link for the next meeting on a trial basis to assess how well this works.

Date of next meeting

15th July 2026 5pm to 6pm

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In partnership with our Patient Participation Group, we have compiled a list of commonly asked questions.


How do I know who I am seeing or talking to?

Our staff always aim to introduce themselves. If this is ever missed, please feel free to ask — we really don’t mind.

Profiles of all our staff are also available on our website.


How do I know who my named GP is? When might this be important?

Every patient is allocated a usual (named) GP when they register with the practice. If you’re unsure who your named GP is, please ask the reception team or send a query via our online consultation platform.

We aim to support continuity of care, particularly for patients with ongoing or complex health conditions.

If you would like to change your named GP, please submit a formal request via reception or our online consultation platform. Requests are reviewed by the Practice Manager.


Am I able to ask to see a particular doctor?

Yes, of course. We will do our best to accommodate requests wherever possible.

If you’ve seen a clinician before, it can be helpful to ask to see them again, as they may already be familiar with your needs.


Do I always need to see a doctor? Are there other staff who might be able to help me?

Not always. We have a wide range of healthcare professionals working at the practice, including:

  • Practice Pharmacists
  • First Contact Physiotherapists
  • Paramedics
  • Physician Associates
  • Social Prescribers

If you’re unsure about the role of the person you’re seeing, please feel free to ask a member of staff.

We work as a multidisciplinary team, and all clinicians have access to a duty doctor if any urgent queries or concerns arise during your consultation.


I have been referred to a clinic or hospital — what happens next?

This should usually be explained during your consultation. Once the practice has made the referral, you will normally receive a referral confirmation document with information on how to track or activate your appointment.

If you haven’t heard anything within a couple of weeks, it’s a good idea to contact the practice via our online consultation platform to request an update.

For many hospital referrals, you will receive confirmation (often by text message or email) about the status of your referral.


The hospital said they would write to the practice with recommendations. When should I expect to hear?

If you haven’t heard from us, please contact the practice four weeks after your hospital appointment.

Where hospital teams make recommendations — such as starting new medication or arranging further tests — we will usually contact you directly.

Sometimes hospital recommendations require further clarification or may not be immediately appropriate in primary care. For example:

  • There may be potential drug interactions
  • The medication may not be approved for prescribing in primary care

In these cases, we will contact the hospital team for clarification and aim to keep you updated throughout the process.


How long should I wait for test results?

Your clinician should tell you when to expect your results. Most results are now available via the NHS App.

You can also contact the practice to check your results — please use our online services where possible.

If you haven’t heard anything after two weeks, we recommend contacting the practice.
Please note that due to the high volume of results we receive, we do not routinely send text messages for normal results.


How do I know what will happen next after I’ve seen the doctor?

Before leaving your consultation, it’s a good idea to ask the clinician what will happen next.
Please make sure you’re clear about any next steps, and consider making a note for yourself.

Finally…

We hope this information helps you feel more confident about how the practice works. Please remember — if you’re ever unsure, worried, or just need clarification, our team is here to help. There’s no such thing as a silly question, and we’re always happy to explain things again.