Date: 18th August 2026

Attendees: Eddie Vermeer (Chair), Norman Webster, Frankie, Paul, Atif Salib, Alyson Bowcott, Bridget (new member), Elinor Flatman (Modality Mid Sussex)

Introduction & Welcome

The group welcomed a new member, Bridget, and confirmed the meeting was being recorded to support accurate minutes.

Practice Updates

The practice shared updates on Klinik (the new digital clinic system), community health plans, and patient feedback:

Klinik is settling in well, with positive feedback overall, though the group raised some issues (confusing menu options, an unconfirmed prescription submission, a technical fault with phone numbers) which are being followed up with the practice. It has already reduced reception workload and freed up phone lines. Chronic condition follow-up (e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure) now has its own route through the system.

A monthly community health pop-up event starts 17 September, alongside a town-wide survey to help shape next year's health programme. Priorities discussed included women's health, healthy lifestyle and preventative care.

The group discussed supporting patients who find digital forms difficult, including help from the digital inclusion team.

The practice's latest Friends and Family Test results and action plan were shared, along with plans to make a patient health questionnaire available on the website.

The group reaffirmed its support for the practice's zero-tolerance approach to abuse of staff.

PPG Discussion

Once the practice team left, members discussed patterns from the updates — particularly communication gaps between departments and the effects of remote working on continuity of care — and agreed these are areas to keep raising constructively with the practice.

Chair/Vice-Chair update

Alyson Bowcott was appointed Treasurer for the group's bank account, alongside Michael's existing role as Vice-Chair.

PPG Role Reset

The group discussed its role and how best to work with the practice going forward: focusing on constructive, collaborative communication (the PPG has no formal authority over the practice), improving how it reaches patients of different ages, and working with Modality's marketing team on a clearer year-round communications plan.

Any other business

The group discussed better management of loaned equipment (blood pressure monitors) and ways to make it easier for patients to give feedback, including a possible online form and dedicated email address.

Close

New members were added to the group's mailing list, and the meeting closed with thanks to all attendees.