Re-Launch Petition 'IMPROVE GP ACCESS ACROSS PEMBROKESHIRE'

Update Argyle Medical Group

Update All of the Ward Councillors responded positively with offers of help

Still waiting to hear from AMG date of next PPG Simon Hart MP replied asking me to expand on the claim AMG are not meeting ‘Access Standards Wales’ you can find these in the petition.

Sam Kurtz SM has sent us prepared response. I will paste it below for you to decide. Personally I feel he is not a doctor otherwise he would know that Back Ache could be a symptom of dozens of serious conditions. Similarly Flu Symptoms could be an early warning of something else.

Eluned Morgan SM, Health Minister  Hywel Dda UHB have acknowledge receipt of the petion.

Today submitted a complaint to NHS Ombudsman. I think that we need to put forward our own improvements to AMG & HD UHB that we think are needed. Please email me with your ideas . I am not allowed to put my email address. Try carl dot shutt at gmail dot com

ReplyFrom Sam Kurtz MS

Having only been in office for a year, this is an issue that dominates my inbox. Although, having met with the practice and their patient participation group on multiple occasions, I am confident that change is on the horizon. Each and every staff member is committed to bringing about the meaningful change that is required, but for this to be the case then they must also have support and assistance from both Hywel Dda University Health Board and the Welsh Government.   In reference to the policies of my party, we have a clear plan in place that is set to address the current shortfall in GP numbers. You can read more about that plan, here. Indeed, I’m of the view that by addressing these shortfalls, we can seek to mediate the issues we’re seeing at AMG by reducing their extremely high staff-GP ratio.    But in addition to this, Hywel Dda University Health Board and the Welsh Government must get better at signposting individuals to the right services; an issue which I’ve recently raised in the Senedd. We need to ensure that the general public knows when – and when not – to request a GP appointment. Indeed, as GP practices continue to diversify, common ailments such as a bad back, fly symptoms or eye issues no longer require the oversight of a General Practitioner.   And lastly, our local health services must become fit for the twenty-first century. That means ditching outdated systems such as the use of fax machines, and adopting a digitised prescription service – again, something that my colleagues and I have called for. By modernising the way our health service operates, we can ensure that they become more efficient, maximising care whilst also making sure that each patient receives the attention they need.    Please be assured that my colleagues and I do have a strategic plan to address the issues you raised in your email. However, there appears to be a fundamental reluctance from the Welsh Government to adopt it – even in part. If we’re to improve the situation at AMG then we must work collaboratively to ensure that our NHS workforce has the support and assistance they need; I’m determined to ensure that’s the case.   

Update

We have now started receive replies to the Petition That was submitted to the ‘Movers & Shakers’. The majority of Local County Councillors, contacted have replied. Those that replied expressed support for our views, pointing out their own experiences. Three Councillors took on board my suggestion that they form a ‘Pressure/Monitoring Group. Two Conservative Councillors forwarded the Petition on to Samuel Kurtz MS/SM A 3rd told me to contact Samuel Kurtz. He was contacted in the original email. Via the Councillors I received a ‘Oven Ready’ response from Samuel Kurtz. More about this later) A Town Councillor wrote ‘You have created quite a stir, well done’ Several Councillors drew my attention to the Patient Participation Group (PPG).  I have a prejudiced view. The PPG being in place for several years and they have been ineffective alongside AMG AMG have invited me to attend their next meeting, TBA. Where I can voice my concerns and the results of the petition’ in an appropriate way’ I have thanked them and accepted the invitation I have written to confirm my attendance and asking for the minutes from the last 2 PPG meetings, The Constitution of the PPG and their remit. I have a list of questions that I will raise with the PPG. I would welcome input from you guys, of issues you would like raised. Health Inspectorate Wales (HIW). They don’t investigate personal complaints but may act on information they receive to influence their inspection program of Health Care providers. AMG would fit in this description.  HIW response, is non-committal and could be read both as hopeful and disappointing.  Still awaiting a full response from Simon Hart MP, Sam Kurtz MS, Eluned Morgan  MS & Minister for Health & Social Care and Hywel Dda

Petition/Complaint Argyle Medical Group (AMG) are Failing 5 of 6 Access Standards In Wales

26/07/2022

Thanking everyone who signed our Petition and your comments, which make dire reading.

I have emailed all of the People/Organisations that have a duty to take our case forward including the AMG. With a link to the Petition.

Each email had to be worded specifically to fit the People/Organisations remit.

I raised the question of GP funding. For each registered patient they receive a sum, as best I can establish between £95 -£120 X 22,000+

There are also other funding streams. 

I believe this money is the same regardless of the number of GPs. I have asked the Politicians for clarification of this.

If I am right there is a surplus of money which should be spent in the following areas.

Better call handling

GP recrutment via National Advertising

Consider ' Golden Hellos'

Thanks again I will update you all when I receive replies

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