1. Patient Communications & Surveys

The practice is focusing on making communications clearer and more accessible for all patients.

• New Channels: A WhatsApp channel for Modality Mid Sussex will launch soon. This will be an information-only service managed by the practice team to provide quick updates.

• Patient Feedback: A survey regarding the digital triage system has been finalised. It will be open for 10 days, with results expected by 29th April. This feedback is vital for ensuring the system meets patient needs.

• Accessibility: The group emphasised the importance of using "Plain English." Moving forward, the practice will work to remove jargon and confusing acronyms from all patient-facing messages.

• System Integration: Members discussed the current challenges where hospital and GP systems do not always "talk" to each other (e.g., blood test results). The practice is looking at ways to make information tracking less confusing for patients receiving messages from multiple NHS sources.

2. Digital Triage: Transition to "Clinic"

Modality Mid Sussex are reviewing the Rapid Health system. This review is driven by the need for better customisation and patient features.

• Why the review? Reviewing for a system that offers two-way messaging, better self-referral options, and easier integration with existing GP records.

• Timeline: Review will be finalised by the end of May. Patient group members have been invited to support the review of the system and attend a workshop on 29th April to provide feedback.

3. Community Initiatives

• Digital Support: We are pleased to announce that a group member, Michael, has been accepted as a "Digital Champion" to help others navigate new technologies.

• Age UK Partnership: The practice is looking to help fund and expand the Age UK "Ageing Well" courses, which have already shown positive outcomes for local participants.

• Public Forums: There is a recognised need to improve the promotion and organisation of public health forums to ensure better attendance and community engagement.

4. Healthcare Updates

• COVID-19 Vaccinations: Spring rollout appointments are live. Priority is currently being given to care home residents and home-bound patients, with limited slots opening for other eligible groups.

• NHS Changes: The group noted the recent merger of the Surrey and Sussex Integrated Care Boards (ICB) and will monitor how this affects local patient services.

5. Group Identity & Administration

• Group Name: There is an ongoing discussion about whether to keep the term "PPG" (Patient Participation Group). While it is a national term, the group is considering using a clearer strap line like "Patient Forum" to make it more welcoming to the public.

• Representation: The group is actively seeking to improve representation for patients in the Burgess Hill area.

• Next Steps: A timetable of presentations will be created to introduce different staff roles and functions within the practice to the public.

Next Meeting: Face-to-face in Burgess Hill (Details to be circulated via email).