Friends of Lister House Medical Centre. An active patient support group established in 1993.
Please note that all meetings are now on Wednesdays at 12.15 for 12.30 start at St James Church, Perry Road. Please put these dates in your diary:
July 14th 2010, October 13th 2010, January 12th 2011, May 18th 2011 (AGM).
- Twenty five Friends, Doctors and Medical Centre Staff attended the meeting. Eight members apologised for absence due to sickness or being on
holiday.
- There had been no response to our adverts for a Secretary. Ken Dixon & Sheila Smith will cover.
- The Friends have been given a prominent notice board in the waiting room. This has been used to advertise for a Secretary and to promote today’s
meeting.
- Tracy May reported that we were fully staffed. That the Blood pressure testing machine in the waiting room for patient’s personal use was
being withdrawn and consideration was being given to a Height and Weight machine which could be backed up with advice leaflets on health issues.
The additional telephone lines were now in place and it should be easier to contact the surgery.
- Dr. Rajani talked about the Rebuild programme for Lister House and the reason for delays. A final decision about the layout and accommodation
required should take place in August when it is hoped to move to the next stage. Completion should not be affected by the Government’s current
financial crisis but completion date is still about three years ahead. Dr. Rajani also talked about the unfolding changes planned by the
Government to reduce the work of the PCTs and increase the services offered by each Practice. It was early days and future meetings of the Friends
would have these issues on the agenda of future meetings. The proposed Pharmacy linked with Lister House is set to go ahead.
- Friends were invited to attend the Harlow Health Care Forum at Latton Bush Centre on Wednesday July 21st. In the current state of
affairs, this should be a very interesting meeting and members will report back to our next meeting on October 13th. We will also be
looking for speakers on the key issues of Government plans for the PCT and for the proposed cut backs in hospital operations and services.
- Sheila Smith and Brian Cooper Have now reinstated the Children’s bookcase in the surgery and have sufficient books for the moment but will
actively look for new sources to keep up the number and the quality of books needed to meet requirements.
- Stan Batho has produced a new CD which sells for £3. With all proceeds going to the Friends. There is a slight upturn in the bookings for Stan’s
playing for dances but he would like more opportunities.
- FUND RAISING. During August the Officers will meet and tie in dates and details of the following suggestions for fund raising.
- Tombola at Flu Jab days (October 2nd or 9th)
- The promotion of our Bird Quiz which costs £1.
- The possibility of an Art sale.
- A book and Jig Saw sale.
- A social evening in St. James Church Hall.
We would appreciate raffle prizes for these events.
- Ken Dixon the Chairman thanked everyone for their input and interest in the Friends business. He thanked the catering team organised by Sheila
Smith for their drinks and buffet which make our meetings so enjoyable. He also thanked the Doctors and the medical staff of Lister House, for
their continued interest and attendance, we benefit so much from their support and input at our meetings.
- Date of next meeting Wednesday October 14th 2010.
Sheila Smith & Ken Dixon
Record of Annual General Meeting, Wednesday 19th May 2010 
Attendance
A total of 26, Members, Doctors and Staff attended the AGM. There were 8 apologies.
Ken Dixon the Chairman, welcomed all to the meeting and in the absence of a Secretary, read the minutes of previous AGM. They were accepted as a
true record and there were no matters arising from the minutes.
Chairman's Report
The Chairman Ken Dixon, produced a written report for the records. He thanked everyone concerned for their continued support. It had been a very
successful year and he thanked his fellow Officers Brian Cooper and Sheila Smith for their support. It was regrettable that we lost our long
serving and efficient Secretary Terri Long due to a full time teaching commitment. Thanks were expressed to Sheila Smith who volunteered to act as
Assistant Secretary and also take on the catering for our events. He also thanked Rev. Mark Bennet for allowing us the use of the church for our
meetings and to Eddie & Margery Collier who made us so welcome.
Secretary's Report
Terri Long sent her regrets that she was no longer able to act a secretary for the Friends, she thanked everyone for their support in past years
and wished us well for the future and would still support our events. Sheila Smith said she was pleased to help and would continue to do so until
we found a new secretary.
Treasurer's Report
Brian Cooper presented a detailed account of our finances. We had a total of £4,418.11 in our funds. He thanked Stan Batho our enthusiastic fund
raiser for his contribution and Sheila Smith for her fund raising efforts.
Practice Manager’s Report
Tracy May gave an update on staffing and working practices. The “self book in” system was working well. The Children’s library service
could now be resumed and we had some money in our funds to purchase new books. The blood pressure testing machine at present in the waiting room
was still being assessed and other systems may need to be tested before the Friends consider purchasing one.
Practice Report
Dr. Rajani reported on the situation regarding the proposed rebuild of Lister House. A meeting of the PCT in two weeks time should define the
services and the accommodation required. There were concerns from the members that in the current climate of cost cutting, that the long term
services and benefits might be compromised. It was something that we would have to monitor very closely. Questions had been asked about the
computerisation of patient’s records but at the moment the new government were considering whether to abandon the project. Dr. Rajani also
talked about the current financial situation in the NHS and in our local PCT in particular. It was too early to say how the cost cutting measures
which are necessary are going to affect patients. A leaflet “Restricted Services” explaining the situation is available from the surgery but
Primary Care should continue to meet expectations. The plan to send patients to a neighbouring surgery with the most specialised help was working
well and would be extended where practical.
Other Matters
The benefits of supporting the “Harlow Health Forum” were discussed. Lister House had been well represented in the past year by Doctors,
Staff and Friends. It is the best avenue to keep abreast of future plans of the PCT and their effectiveness in dealing with current problems. All
members wishing to attend would be made welcome and the next meeting is on Wednesday July 21st 6.30pm at Latton Bush Centre in the
Griffin Suite.
Church Offer
Rev. Mark Bennet welcomed the co-operation with the Friends of Lister House and offered the use of their hall for social or fund raising events.
Eddie Collier has also provided a fund raising idea which will be taken up by the friends.
Publicity and Promotion
Several ideas put forward for promoting the work of the Friend’s group will be considered by the Officers and Lister House. Our first priority
will be to advertise for a secretary for the group.
Election of Officers
There were no proposals or offers to fill the post of Secretary and our need will be advertised in suitable groups for a volunteer. In the
meantime Sheila Smith has kindly offered to work with the Chairman to ensure the work of the Friends continues.
Barbara Foster proposed a vote of thanks to Terri Long and the Officers for their work and dedication over the past year and was applauded by the
whole meeting.
Appointments
Ken Dixon was re elected as Chairman.
Brian Cooper was re elected as Treasurer.
Sheila Smith was re elected as Fund Raising Officer.
Stan Batho confirmed his willingness to raise funds and asked members to seek bookings for him.
Meeting Dates
Please put these in your diary now.
July 14th – October 13th – January 12th – May 18th AGM – All Wednesdays at 12.30pm.
Note
If you are on our emailing list, please be sure to tell us if you change your email address.
Until a secretary is found and in post your email contact is kendixon@ntlworld.com
Sheila Smith.
Ken Dixon
24 May 2010
Minutes of General Meeting, Wednesday 15th July 2009
1. Ken Dixon welcomed all those present (22) and thanked them for attending.
2. 9 apologies were received.
3. The minutes of the previous meeting held on 28 January 2009 were reviewed, and agreed as a true repreentation.
4. There were no matters arising from the minutes of the previous meeting.
5. Response to Children’s Library Appeal
Sheila reported that the contributions had now been put in place, however more books in good condition are needed. Please call Sheila on 432838 if
you have any books to donate.
6. Fund Raising — Sheila Smith
The planned quiz night will go ahead on Saturday 12 September at 7.30pm; donations for the raffle would be welcome. A big thank you to Eddie and
Marjery for their help in organising the quiz. Sheila is planning to do a fundraiser at the flu jab day, more details will follow once a date is
announced.
7. Practice Manager's report — Tracy May
Dr Rajani and Tracy spent the day at HHCT, an architect has been appointed for the rebuild, there are still some issues over the land swap though
the build is still scheduled for 2012.
The main water main outside the surgery burst! (Not much luck with water)
The surgery has been swamped with calls relating to swine flu, if you think you may have swine flu please do not come to the surgery, the current
government advice is to ring the flu line. Send a “flu buddy” to collect your prescription. The Lister house web site is updated regularly
with information.
The vaccine for “flu jab” will be Pneumovax, people over the age of 65 and those in risk groups will be entitled to the vaccine. Proof that
you have had the jab can be placed on your medical card or passport.
8. Harlow Health Forum — Brian Cooper
HHF will hold a meeting next week at the Griffin Suite, on the agenda will be an update on the use of Sydenham house, elimination of mixed sex
wards and medication management.
9. Ideas for speakers
Amongst the ideas put forward by members was; a dietician, an acupuncturist! herbalist, a Dr from Lister house on home treatment, dentistry,
sexual health and civil ceremonies.
10. Any other business
Perry Road outside the surgery will be resurfaced next week, yellow lines may be added.
Stan Batho is fund raising for St Clare hospice at the moment.
A member asked about the danger of Listermint mouthwash, Tracy is to investigate the story.
11. The Date of the next meeting will be Wednesday 14th October.
12. Dates of future meetings — January May 19th 2010 — This will be the AGM
Terri Long. E-mail tlong@sky.com
Minutes of General Meeting, Wednesday 28th January 2009
On January 28th 33 people attended the “Friends of Lister House” quarterly meeting. They met in a warm and friendly atmosphere,
thanks to the generosity of St. James Church and the Vicar Rev. Mark Bennet, who also attended the meeting. Once again our secretary Terri Long
provided a tasty buffet and her team of helpers made everyone feel welcome. The Doctors, Nurses and medical staff were well represented and
appreciated by the patients who make up the “Friends” An interesting agenda was completed on time and an appeal made for more patients,
interested in their Medical Centre to join them. Anyone interested should ask for a “Friend’s form” from the reception desk at the surgery.
1. Ken Dixon welcomed all those present and thanked them for attending. Ken extended a special welcome to Hiral Patel from the PCT and all
the staff from Lister House who take time out to attend our meetings, their attendance is much appreciated.
2. Apologies were received from: J.Redman, C.Lockwood, D.Parnham, J.Parnham, P.Feldman, C.Blackburn, K.O’Sullivan, R.Collyer and
M.Collyer.
3. The minutes were reviewed, and there were no matters arising.
Lillian Merrell wished to say that the rooms in the surgery are now much easier to find now they are all numbered.
4. Financial Report At present we have the sum of £4320.70 in the bank, Brian expressed a wish to step down from the fundraising, Shelia
Smith offered to take over, we would like to thank her for her support and wish her well in her fundraising activities.
A big thank you to Stan who is steadfastly adding to our funds, however his diary is getting empty. If you know of any organisation or group who
would like his services please let us know or you may be interested in purchasing one or helping to sell his CD’s.
Brian raised the issue of a depression questionnaire that had been given to him by a patient who found it attached to his repeat prescription
form; Brian felt that it could encourage people to consider they had depression. Tracy pointed out that it was a government directive, which they
had to follow, and that there was a link between persons on long-term medication and depression.
5. Lister House Update Tracy May reported that the planned meeting for the 4th February will have to be cancelled as there is
still issues over the land swap. The surgery is awaiting news and is keen to get the steering group up and running. The government regional office
has approved the plans, the council now wants Harlow Health centres trust to contribute to the enabling works. We will hopefully have an update at
the AGM.
6. A.O.B. Many friends expressed concerns over the surgery telephone system and the cost of calls; the matter is under investigation by
Bill Rammell MP. S.Batho reported problems with the pharmacy over repeat prescriptions; Hiral Patel will report the matter back to the PCT.
7. Patient Survey Dr Rajani and David Rayner presented a report on the recent patient satisfaction survey, a minimum of 50 surveys must be
carried out for each GP and health care professional. From next year the survey will be sent direct to patients and the surgery will have no
involvement.
There was a marked increase in patient satisfaction with the services the surgery provides and 87% of those surveyed preferred to have a named
doctor. The levels of satisfaction over time taken to answer calls has risen sharply, Dr Rajani stressed that no profit was made by the surgery
and all monies go directly into paying the running cost of the system. The friends were invited to suggest options for the telephone menu
i.e. press 2 for appointments.
Results of 2008 patient survey. This is a Microsoft PowerPoint Slideshow which can be viewed using
Microsoft PowerPoint or their free PowerPoint Viewer (available from here). Use
the left and right arrow keys to navigate through the presentation and Esc to close it when finished.
8. Date of next meeting The date of the next meeting will be Wednesday 20th May, this will be a lunchtime meeting and is the
AGM.
Terri Long, Secretary.
Minutes of General Meeting, Wednesday 8th October 2008
1. Ken Dixon welcomed all those present and thanked them for attending.
Ken thanked Marjery and Roy Collier for allowing the Friends to use the Church hall once again; it is very much appreciated by all.
2. Apologies were received from: J.Wilson J.Lushington C.Lockwood L.Swallow C.Sizeland Dr.Fernandes J.Pulham
3. The minutes were reviewed, matters arising: B.Cooper thanked Marjery and Roy for their kind offer to run a quiz night but felt that it
would be better to do it in the future.
4. Practice Report – Interviews have taken place and a nurse will shortly be appointed. Building work has taken place in the surgery and
the nurses will be re-allocated to the area where Dr Fernandes room was, and Dr Fernandes and the new Dr, Dr Ramkumar will move to the old nurses
area. All the Doctors rooms have been numbered to make it easier for patients.
Dr. Rajani expressed thanks to Harlow Health Centres Trust for funding the building work, which was completed in under 3 months and provides much
needed extra clinical space.
From October 1st the surgery will operate extended opening hours with a surgery
on Saturday mornings from 8:00–11:00am and late night on Mondays until 8:00pm. These are for booked appointments only, not an emergency service.
The surgery will carry out a patient satisfaction survey in the next few weeks, the results of which will hopefully be presented at our January
meeting.
5. Brian Cooper explained that due to the current uncertainty in the banking system he had investigated the possibility of transferring
the Friends funds. As we are deemed a small business Brian will check if our funds are guaranteed, if not the friends agreed that he could take
any actions necessary to safeguard them.
Brian spoke about two new groups starting up; the first is a re-launch of the Patients participation group. Ken and Brian had recently attended a
similar group in Epping. It is hoped to form a similar group in Harlow and members were asked for their support.
The initial meeting will be on 22nd October at 7. pm in the Griffin suite, Latton Bush Centre. There will be a speaker on Sydenham
house and all are welcome. Brian also outlined the activities of “LINK” a similar group looking after patient’s interests in the whole of
Essex and with a much broader view of services and a more involved practice of action. Information on both groups was made available for
interested members to view.
6. Guest speaker Jenny Minihane, Director of Nursing & Modernisation, spoke to the group about the 18 week Pathway plan.
The proposal is that from initial contact with your GP you should have your operation or procedure, completed within 18 weeks. Doctors can access
choose and book during your consultation and find a suitable date there and then. You should inform your Doctor if you have any holidays booked
within that period, as that will effect your wait time. A target has been set that by the end of October 90% of patients should receive their
treatment within the 18-week deadline.
Jenny also spoke about the plans for Sydenham house, running the establishment, has gone out to private tender, the ground floor with 16 beds for
the Mental Health trust and the 1st floor with 16 beds for those requiring step down facilities and on going assessment or
rehabilitation will remain unchanged. The 2nd floor will house 15 beds for older adults with mental health problems needing continuing
care, the use of the remaining 9 beds will be up to the chosen health care provider under consultation with the PCT.
Jenny raised the issue of new care facilities being built around the town, Rushcliff on the site of the former Goldsmiths home will be a 117 bed
new build private care home for older residents and those needing neuro rehab. There is also a residential care home being built at the back of
the hospital.
7. Any Other Business – The proposal to put the plans for the rebuild of Lister House before the Council's planning meeting has been
held up by waiting for a report from the Highways department on traffic impact. Hopefully the plans will now go before the council at the next
planning meeting on 4th November, please turn up and voice your support for Lister House.
8. The date of the next meeting is scheduled for January 14th 2009 but may be altered to give members the latest information on
the patient survey and the rebuild of Lister House. If the date is changed members will receive at least two weeks notice.
Some members have agreed to receive their minutes and notices, via their email.
May I be the first to wish you a very happy Christmas and all the best for 2009.
Terri Long. Secretary
Minutes of General Meeting, Wednesday 16th July 2008
1. Welcome
Ken Dixon welcomed all those present and thanked them for attending the meeting. Ken extended a special welcome to Jenny Mazarelo, Head of Primary
Care Commissioning. Ken also thanked Mr and Mrs Collier for their kindness in allowing the group to hold its meetings in the church. It is very
kind of them to help us and no charges are made. We are all most grateful.
2. Apologies
Apologies were received from: Dr.Rajani, Dr.Mistry, L.Swonnell, S.Smith, R.Coulson, A.Coulson, J.Lushington, Dr.Portelly.
3. Report from Brian Cooper
Brian spoke about the raffle planned for the flu jab day. In order for it to go ahead Brian is looking for items suitable for the raffle and
nearer the time willing volunteers to sell tickets. Brian has received further donations from Stan Batho, we thank him for his hardworking efforts
and the enormous amounts he has raised which will benefit the surgery. Stan asked for details of any group, which would welcome his talents. He is
willing to travel to the outlying areas of Harlow, Stan plays for three hours and each session costs only £50. Lillian said he had played for her
pensioner group and the feedback was fantastic. Stan also asked Jenny Mazarelo if she was able to help with the issue of VAT on purchases.
4. Update on Medical Centre Matters
The practice still requires a full time nurse, other than that they are fully staffed. Redecoration plans will go ahead due to the length of time
before the new build will be available.
Retinal screening for diabetes sufferers will now be carried out at Keats House. Breast screening for 50-70 year olds will take place at the
Latton Bush Centre.
Jenny Mazarelo spoke to the group, firstly about the rebuild; outline planning permission has been put in, though it is uncertain when these
plans will go before the planning committee. A.Harrison asked if the Friends would be consulted before final plans would be submitted. Jenny
assured the group that this would be the case.
Polyclinics - the provision of primary care in Harlow is very good so the PCT has decided to site a polyclinic in Loughton where there is more
need.
Pandemic Flu - planning is ongoing from the PCT and the practice; there is the possibility of engaging with local communities to find ways to
help patients attend the anti-viral centre at Latton Bush.
5. Issues from the Friends Group
Ken and Brian mentioned the Patient Participation Group, which has not met for over 12 months. It was a great opportunity for friends of all
practices to meet, swap ideas and views. Jenny said she was keen to re-establish the group and would look into it.
Lillian Merrell and Lillian Swallow expressed their concerns over the new telephone system and the costs. Tracy confirmed that no money is made
by the surgery and all profits go into paying for the system, in a recent survey the surgery had received a 95% satisfaction rating for telephone
access.
At the AGM a sub-committee had been chosen to be involved with discussions on the planned rebuild. Friends will be kept informed of any meetings.
6. Suggestions for Speakers at Future Meetings.
Jenny Minihane – Director of nursing and modernisation will attend the meeting on October 8th.
A.Harrison suggested an update about the policy on dealing with TB.
Lillian Swallow suggested a talk on privately supplementing your own medications and the implications.
Lillian Merrell suggested general medical talks such as diabetes and heart problems as these had always proved popular in the past.
7. Any Other Business
Barbara Foster had been to the Civic Centre to see the plans for the rebuild, the centre will have its own road access and pedestrians would use
the current underpass, which will be undergoing refurbishment.
Mr and Mrs Collier said they would be happy to run a quiz at the church to raise funds for the practice.
Stan asked Tracy which items the surgery were looking to buy with the funds, Tracy explained that any items bought would have to go with the
surgery when it moved and that it might be better to save the money for when the practice was in its new home. Tracy will speak to the partners at
the August meeting.
The Friend’s newsletter is now only produced when something very special happens. The Friend’s news can be found on the Lister House web
site, and from this meeting, the minutes of our meetings will also be posted on the web site.
Minutes for this meeting would be posted with agenda of next meeting to cut down on postage costs.
8. Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on October 8th 2008 at 12.30 in St. James Church Hall.
Minutes of AGM, Wednesday 21st May 2008
Prior to the meeting Liz McGranahan updated members on the rebuild: it will go ahead and should be operational by May 2010. Liz asked if a
subcommittee of members could be formed to be involved in detailed planning meetings.
Dr Rajani spoke about the extended opening hours, as yet no agreement with the PCT has been reached. Additional hours would be welcome at the
beginning and the end of the day, however these would not be an emergency service, booked appointments only.
1. Welcome
Ken Dixon welcomed all those in attendance
2. Apologies
Apologies were received from: K.Osullivan, L.Merrell, L.Swallow, J.Pulharn, Mr.Collyer, J.Redman, J.Lushington, J.Pugh, Mr and Mrs Coulson, Mr and
Mrs Pamham.
3. Minutes of Previous Meeting
The minutes of the previous AGM held on 22nd May 2007 were agreed as a true representation.
4. Matters arising
There were no matters arising.
5. Chairman's Report
Ken reported that it had been a good year with good attendances at the meetings. Support from the Lister House staff, Gp’s, PCT and speakers had
been wonderful. This helps the group to feel part of the decision making process. The planned rebuild gives an added incentive. Ken thanked all
for their attendance, support and fundraising.
6. Treasurer's Report
The current balance of the account is £2596.24. The ear syringes requested by the surgery have been purchased however we did pay the VAT, it is
hoped that in future we will be able to find a way to purchase equipment without paying the VAT. A special mention must go to Stan Batho, who
throughout the year has donated an amazing £2281.67 from his performances. If you know of a group who would be interested in having Stan play at
one of their social evenings please get in touch. Help Stan to get jobs so that he may raise more fhnds for the surgery. Well done Stan,
Congratulations.
7. Secretary's Report
Terri Thanked the Lister house staff for letting her use the photocopier and for the support they all give. Terri also thanked Barbara and
Christine for their help with the food at the meetings, it would not be possible without their kind help. Regarding the rising cost of postage
Terri suggested that previous minutes and agendas were posted as one, this was agreed by all. Dr Rajani said that the Friend's minutes could
be posted on the website.
8. Practice Manager's Report
The surgery is fully staffed in admin. One nurse short, advertising is in place but there has been little interest; a locum is standing in.
Marylyn spoke about the advanced medication prescriptions, these are available for those persons whose medication is well controlled. Medicines
are then ordered direct from the pharmacist. GPs will pick up on suitability at medication review.
9. Election of Officers
As there had been no nominations the current officers were elected en masse. This was proposed by Barbara Foster and seconded by Shelia
Smith.
10. Dates of Meetings for 2008/2009
It was agreed that lunchtime meetings were preferable for most people and seemed to attract more members. Therefore the meetings for the
forthcoming year will all be held at lunchtime.
- Wednesday 16th July 2008
- Wednesday 8th October 2008
- Wednesday 14th January 2009
- Wednesday 20th May 2009
11. Close of Meeting
The meeting closed at 20.35.
After the meeting Ken asked who would be interested in sitting on the sub-committee to attend meetings regarding the rebuild and report back to
the group. The sub-committee will comprise of Ken Dixon (Chairman) B.Cooper S.Smith
Domestic Violence Women's Aid