February 2023

14 Buckden Roundabout February 2023 Village News Buckden and Little Paxton Patient Participation Group (PPG) The Surgeries December Newsletter boldly proclaimed our transformation, from a Patients' Association into a Patient Participation Group. What does that mean? The British Medical Association's GP Committee identify PPGs as a "crucial ally and resource", and encourage GP practices to actively engage with them, openly discussing with their PPGs the challenges and pressures currently facing general practic- es, both locally and nationally. It is considered good practice by the Committee to consult PPGs and secure their support for any changes that are being contemplated by practices. PPGs are also regarded as an important means for communi- cating these changes and the reasons for them to the wider patient population. Finally, PPGs can provide vital insights into the needs and priorities of a patient population. May I now refer to data just released, in early January, regard- ing primary care activity in England during 2022, which re- vealed some interesting results. 350 million appointments were provided by General Practitioners (G.P.s) in England in 2022, which does not include Clinical Administration. British Medical Association defines as a reasonable and achievable level of activity for a G.P. 25 clinical contacts. In looking at this data, one can discover 60% of G.P.s work beyond these levels, and indeed 30% of the total are completing 40 or more con- tacts with patients. On top of this workload G.P.s are also hav- ing to cope with managing hospital waiting lists and chasing referrals to hospitals. The above figures are achieved in the face of a diminishing number of G.P.s, with the workforce suffering a loss of 500 fully qualified practitioners in 2022, with the total of G.P.s reducing every year since 2015. In now turning to our local hospitals, the redevelopment of Hinchingbrooke Hospital continues apace and is progressing well. However, construction work has been delayed and it is not now expected that the new theatres will be operational till March 2024. The North West Anglia Foundation Trust is also currently awaiting news of the outcome of its bid to join the New Hospital Programme, which if successful will release funds to build a new hospital at Hinchingbrooke. As you may be aware Hinchingbrooke is one of the several hospitals in the Eastern region acutely affected by deteriorating roof panels, which urgently require ongoing monitoring and attention. Lo- cal hospitals have been recently struggling to cope with record numbers attending our Accident and Emergency Departments. This can be partly explained by an abnormally high incidence of flu this winter, and by rising rates of Covid - 19, caused by a new subvariant. In trying to mitigate problems relating to bed capacity, the Trust has created a partnership with Ashlyn Grange Nursing Home, in Peterborough,so providing 42 extra places that patients occupying hospital beds can be discharged into. In another initiative to improve patient flow and increase bed capacity, a new discharge lounge has been opened at Hinchingbrooke Hospital. Finally, our Hospital Trust has not been affected by recent industrial action, as the Royal College of Nursing members working there did not achieve the thresh- old needed in the ballot. And in closing, can I summon two hurrahs. Firstly, I will cele- brate the retention by our Surgeries of its Outstanding Status, following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission, in December. Congratulations to all of our brilliant staff! Second- ly, the success of the Covid - 19 booster and Flu Clinics in Octo- ber and November 2022 need to be recognised, thanks to the efforts of the surgery staff and the Volunteer Team. Well done everyone. Rob Gardiner Chair PPG Could you volunteer with Girlguid- ing in the Offords or Buckden? Volunteering with us isn't just about campfires and helping girls to get their next badge. • It's being a role model and helping girls to realise their full potential. • It's sharing and developing your skills. • It ’ s doing something for you and your community. • It ’ s meeting new friends living near you. • It ’ s taking a refreshing break from your everyday rou- tine. • It ’ s sharing a skill or special interest. • It ’ s making a difference to the lives of girls in your com- munity. • It ’ s spending time laughing, playing and being inspired by incredible girls and young women and help build skills for life. Whether you've been involved in guiding before or you are completely new to us, you'll feel proud to watch girls grow through guiding. There are many volunteer roles for you to consider, to being involved with the girls at weekly meetings, or being behind the scenes as an administrator, or as a trainer, bringing your skills and interests to support the Leaders and girls. Volunteer and make a difference today! Register your interest at www.girlguiding.org,uk/ volunteer, or email us at OffordGuiding1@gmail.com