Patient Participation Group

For all the latest news from the Ammonite Health Partnership, please read the attached Ammonite Partnership Quarterly Newsletter.

In addition to the following September minutes, I have added some further notes that maybe of benefit to readers from Cattistock and Maiden Newton:

1. There will be no Covid Vaccine injections this winter apart from those that are deemed vulnerable. Flu vaccines will continue starting with the oldest first.

2. The smaller proposed development on the edge of Maiden Newton in the Local Plan (of 46 approx dwellings) should not affect the Pound Piece Surgery in terms of longer term staffing but they would receive extra funding for any additional patients on their list.Larger developments such as that at Bridport will become an issue and might require a larger surgery or combining of existing providers.

3. The issue concerning Racism and policy was raised by a patient who had made a comment which the staff perceived as racist. We raised the policy issue to understand further what the process was that is in place. Ammonite stated that they have a Zero tolerance approach with a letter being sent out to the patient (after discussion and consideration of all the factors). If the patient ends up being removed from the surgery list due to further incidents then they would be referred to the Specialist Allocation Scheme. They would still therefore have access to the health service but as the Scheme operates from Cranbourne this is clearly a travel inconvenience. Their strong recommendation is to think first before making such comments.

It is best if the patient has a grievance to follow the process of complaint to the surgery which can be found on their website. All telephone conversations would be recorded and interpreted before similar action is taken.

4. In terms of the mental health issue raised the practice assured that all necessary safeguarding that can be in place is in place. If there are wider concerns about other villagers safety then the police are the first port of call.

Regards, Colin Fulton

PPG Minutes 23.09.2025

Maiden Newton and Beaminster (Tunnel Road) PPG Meeting

Webbers Piece, Maiden Newton, 4-5pm, 23rd September 2025

Present: David Webb (Chair), Annabelle Matterface, Gillian Fearnyough (Treasurer), Colin Fulton,

Carly Reed, Rob, Chris Wardle, Emma Hallet, Sue Hinchley (secretary), Di Padfield, Rob Greening,

Chris Bennett,

Apologies: Bekkie Webb, Carol King, Annabel Jackman.

The Chair opened the meeting by welcoming everyone.

1. Minutes & matters arising – David Webb

Previous minutes agreed.

Colin being added to be 3rd signatory for cheques.

A plaque ordered to be on BP machine in acknowledgement of PPG funding at TR.

Still need representation from Tunnel Rd surgery. Ideas discussed that surgery could try to recruit new

members and hopefully younger representation. David will send suggested wording for advertising to

be used.

Issues with raising feedback raised at last meeting have been forwarded to data team to work through.

Altering text on PPG on the website also in hands of data team currently. Annabel to chase up.

Common themes feedback – AM will collate and send out this week.

Health cafe in Toller Porcorum well attended. Hoped to do another in the new year. Highlighted that

there is surgery representation via the PCN’s as they are employed in part by Ammonite.

2) Progress on changes at Maiden Newton

Flooring going down this week. Some small remaining painting and carpentry left to do. Planning an

area for children.

Have identified area for BP machine. Promote people coming in to check readings and to use to check

accuracy of home machines.

Concern raised that sign in screen may get blocked by people queueing – will be monitored.

3) impact of Dorset Local Plan.

Sites for 46 homes identified for Beaminster. GF asking for feedback re potential impact/concerns

for the surgery.

Ammonite main issue is the 4000 potential new patients from the development at Bridport. They may

obtain a one off payment to assist service provision but is a complicated process. Won’t apply to the

many smaller developments in the many villages in the catchment area.

Stated no extra space at TR to provide any extra services from those premises, however the site itself

is adequate..

4) Practice policy re Racism and discrimination.

CR confirmed there is a zero tolerance policy towards racism and abuse of staff. Those deemed to

have behaved in racist or abusive manner will receive warning letter. If behaviour persists will

ultimately be removed from surgery list and referred to Specialist Allocation Scheme that take on

excluded patients. Based in Cranbourne they do face to face and phone consults. After year may be

referred to re-register at another surgery.

5) Ammonite update – Carly Reed, Practice Manager

Now have a well-staffed (5) Ageing Well team of ACP’s. They are proactive in care homes, and the

housebound frail patients and also provide a reactive home visit service for unwell frail patients. This

allows GP’s more time to facilitate end of life care.

The surgery are in top 3 in the South West for delivery of the shingles programme.

Flu and Covid vaccine delivery programme to start 1st October with some large clinics planned.

Alongside smaller daily clinics.

RSV, pneumonia and shingles programme will resume December.

New staff appointed to Ammonite;

Dr Morrow is joining full time and there is a possibility of new salaried GP coming on board. One GP

has become a partner. 1 salaried GP from Bridport leaving to go to Australia.

£70 raised from book sales at TR.

6) AOB

CF had general question of what to do when person in community has apparent mental health issues .

Where can these issues /concerns best be raised?

CR suggested in first instance safeguarding be raised with police.

Agreed to approach Bridport PPG to swap minutes to try to avoid duplication of agenda’s.

GF to send link to CR with a video demonstrating use of creative practitioners as support for social

prescribing. GF to take to social prescribing team directly.

Date of Next meeting – 6th January 2026 in Beaminster. Venue to be confirmed. .

Last Updated on 4th October 2025