Latest Meeting Minutes

Members/apologies

Welcome

Val welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked them for giving their time.

Apologies

Apologies had been received from Claire Conway-Wright and David Brophy.

Minutes of the Last Meeting and Matters Arising:

The last meeting was held on 14th April 2025.  The Minutes had been previously circulated with the agenda.  There were no comments regarding the Minutes and there were no matters arising.

Adoption of Terms of Reference (ToR) 2026:

ToR had be previously agreed at the committee meeting on 9.2.2026.  There were no additional comments given.  ToR adopted.

Election of Officers 2026:

Val stated that an invitation had previously been given to members to volunteer for any of the roles but that one had come forward. Val, Nigel and Christine all confirmed that they would be willing to stand in their current role for another year.

Chair - Val Stanley: nominated by Anette Grahns-Doan, seconded by Nigel Davey

Vice Chair - Nigel Davey: nominated by Val Stanley, seconded by Sarah Benthal

Secretary - Christine Walter: nominated by Val Stanley, seconded by Sarah Benthal

Representing all our Patients:

Christine presented 2 slides that gave an indicative breakdown of the age and ethnicity of the PPG and of the patient base of the Practice.  The information presented was only indicative because there were ‘unknowns’ in both the non-attending PPG members and in the patient base. The key differences reflected that the PPG was over represented in 65+ age group and under represented in 40yrs and younger age groups. With regard to ethnicity  the PPG was all white (subject to the caveat above).

Christine added she felt it was important for the PPG to at least be aware of the data and perhaps members could give thought to people they knew who may be interested in joining the PPG and who would represent the groups which needed increased representation.

Correspondence:

Val wished to record thanks to Kenton Parish Council for a grant given to the PPG to support PPG events this coming year.

Any Other Business:

None

The Annual General Meeting was concluded.

Age UK and Devon and Cornwall Police Scam and Cyber Awareness Events:  

The next event will take place in Exminster on 1st May 2026. Anette reported that AbilityNet were likely to attend. Anette to advise when posters would be put up.  Jan asked how many people attended - there had been 10.  Jan added that perhaps people from Starcross had attended the Kenton event (where there had been approx 50 attendees) and that any future events should consider if one or two events were needed given the close proximity of the two locations.  Val said that it was a valid point but added that both AgeUk and D&C Police were not unhappy with the turnout at Starcross.

Canvassing Patients in Surgery:  

The next session is being done by Christine on Saturday 25th April.  Subsequent sessions for Exminster and Starcross through to July are arranged.

Questions to reflect CQC standards:

Val had given an overview of the questions during her presentation in the Open Evening which took place prior to the AGM.

The questions would go out from the surgery to all patients that had attended an appointment during a specified timeframe and this was planned for the very near future.  Val gave thanks to James and Adrian for their work developing the questionnaire.

20 Year Celebrations:

An updated plan of progress was circulated prior to the meeting.  Anne gave thanks to Val for producing a presentation and pop-up banner that will be available to those delivering presentations to local groups.  Anne to confirm with individuals the groups they had volunteered to visit.  Anne suggested that perhaps a second person to support each visit would be welcome. 

Invites to the October Celebration Event were ready to send out.

Val and Anne will attend Kenton May Day to promote the PPG and (hopefully) generate interest in membership.

RD&E Community Voices Group:

Jan updated with information from the last meeting.  PPG groups (approx 10) had been asked to send in information about their activity.  Only Jan and Tiverton PPG responded. Jan to circulate web link for Tiverton PPG for members to see how another PPG operates.

Next Meeting Date

• Monday, 8th June 2026 2pm
• Westbank Healthy Living Centre, Exminster