PPG Meeting Minutes January 2026

  • Date: Wednesday 28th of January 2026 6pm-7.15
  • Chair: Adrian Pitts
  • Minutes by: Sarah Baker

Present

  • Sarah Baker (SB)
  • Dr Julia Wakeham (JW)
  • Adrian Pitts (AP)
  • Arelene Hansell (AH)
  • Robert Cresswell (RC)
  • Andrew Stanley (AS)
  • Mark Munday (MM)
  • Susan Holleran (SH)
  • Nick Anderson (NA)
  • Patricia and Peter Williams (PW)
  • Brandon Cheng (BC)
  • Jane Hetherton (JH)

Apologies 

  • Andrew Mackie 
  • Lynn Fitzjohn 
  • Reubin Lewis 
  • Susan Nicholds 

Welcomes and Introductions 

The group reintroduced themselves, BC was welcomed to the group. He is a town councillor. BC feels the PPG needs to be promoted more. AP will draw up a poster that can be shared on Facebook. 

Minitues of the Last Meeting 

Incorrect dates changed otherwise agreed. 

Matters Arrising 

Item 5 - no emails recieved. 

Actions Since Last Meeting - West Kent PPG Report - AP

AP recently attended the WKPPG. AP was hoping to speak to the CEO of the ICB re Paddock Wood and growth, particularly concerning any Section 106 money but the CEO had left before he had a chance. Documents re the NHS App and Anima were previously shared with the group via email. Useful documents from the WKPPG:Documents re the NHS App and Anima were previously shared with the group via email (attached to these minutes) Website:AP feels the wording on the website relating to the PPG is outdated. https://www.woodlandshealthcentre.org.uk/patient-participation-group He suggested new wording which was discussed. Agreed to take out he sentence 'The age range tends to range between middle aged to elderly'. The words Patient Representatives was discussed and suggested it was changed to PPG members - AP to reword. 

Woodlands Updates and Actions from Last Meeting 

No Action 

Woodlands was inspected by the CQC before Christmas. No report has been recieved by WHC at this meeting. 

Anima Update

The practice manager reported Anima is going well. Some complaints received but still early days. Other practices who have moved to this model report the first 6 month can be trying. Jo Weston, the assistant practice manager, is organising another training session, probably towards the end of February. SB reminded the group a drop in service is still offered on an ad hoc basis. Good feedback of Anima was given by the group. Agreed straight forward to book an appointment using a booking link. Much quicker than ringing the surgery. The group discussed the pros and cons of the new system. JW reported that she can have nearly 200 Anima requests to action per day, which are sorted into clinical priority. It can’t be used for emergencies. For a medical emergency patients need to attend A&E or dial 999. All medical request should go through the medical pathway and all administrative requests should go through the admin pathway. BC commented that there is a language barrier. SB unaware if Anima have any plans to include a translation service. SB will email Anima. RC asked if a username and password is required to submit an Anima. SB confirmed no. * Update since the meeting-there was a requirement for patients to set up an Anima account but this requirement was rescinded prior to WHC using Anima  - SB to action 

Increasing Services in the Community 

RC noted a practice in Whitstable were offering additional services such as minor surgery and X-rays. Is Woodlands planning to offer any additional services?  JW advised Dr Tosh holds a minor surgery clinic once a month. The health centre also has a dental department, ENT, and Midwifery  (By referral only) AH asked about toenail cutting service. JW advised this is a service that is no longer offered on the NHS so patients will need to privately fund this (unless diabetic)** Update since the meeting. Toenail cutting service is no longer available on the NHS for diabetics* 

KCC Carers Survey MM

MM asked if SB receives survey emails from KCC. SB advised No. WHC does have a carers register, a carers notice board and carers packs at reception. 

AOB

AC asked about the lease to the building and refurbishment. Advised not at that stage yet. BC asked who owns the building-Black Rock AH asked why many years ago it was much easier to see a GP. JW advised increase in population and more investigations are now available which is time consuming. 

Actions 

  • Poster to promote PPG-AP 
  • Anima translation-SB 
  • Wording for the website-AP 

Dates of Future PPG Meetings

  • Monday 27th April 2026 
  • Wednesday  29th of July 2026
  • Monday 26th of October 2026
  • Wednesday 27th of January 2027