MARYLEBONE HEALTH CENTRE
PATIENT PARTNERSHIP GROUP
Minutes of Meeting
5th January 2026
1. Present: JM, MB, SL, CB, YT, JG, JC, JMcG, BD & MF Apologies: BH, SF, IA & AG/DoD
2. Minutes of last meeting 2025 approved
3. Matters Arising
Uni –JC spoke to someone representing the University of Westminster and they agreed to a pop-up information stall for MHC but for a charge. JC declined. Action JM said she will speak to them and JC send details
4. Practice update given by JC
4.1 Pharmacists and GP Registrar
Two clinical pharmacists now fully trained and working at MHC. Can see for face to face or telephone appointments. They give Medication reviews, advice and guidance and issuing medication/finding alternatives to medication unavailable. They free up a lot of appointments
GP registrar (Dr Sarah Mohammed) is starting on 4.2.2026 for 6 months. Qualified Dr who wants to train as a GP. Dr Verma is her trainer. She has previously worked in paediatrics.
4.2 Private Care policy
MHC receive requests from patients for referrals to private care. During a consultation this request is managed similarly to an NHS referral and sent to the patients within an average of 2 working days. The NHS does not provide tests or treatment at the request for some consultants, and we cannot always provide any privately prescribed medication on the NHS. Sometimes MHC Drs do feel the medication is something they can and wish to continue prescribing and monitoring.
Often the medication is not licensed by the NHS or requires a consultant to initiate and monitor for a certain length of time. The NHS cannot prescribe brand names nor medication not permitted by the Northwest London Formulary and this can be different to the prescription considered by the private consultant. Some patients do get annoyed, stressed or upset.
To prepare patients for this whenever they are given a private referral the above is explained to them in writing.
PPG were pleased the letter for patients was clear and issued at the onset so their expectations are not raised and that there is an understanding of what they can expect. PPG agree it’s important that MHC support patients who choose private care over NHS care when they can/want to.
4.3 Flu campaign
The housebound flu vaccine service this year was provided by a pharmacy in Graton Street. The service was dreadful and some patients got missed. The MHC nurses provided some home visits to vaccinate to ensure pts were able to access their vaccine. JC said it is disappointing that some patients have been invited x4 and still not responding. Uptake is much reduced this year.
5. Stakeholders
JM and JC plan to attend the GP Federation (HCL) stakeholder meeting. The topic is access and research. JM will feedback at the next PPG meeting.
6. Event programme
Mental Health will be the first event in 2026 on 5.2.2026. 2-3pm. A patient ‘tea party will be held in May. We hope to repeat the Men’s Health in March/April.
IT sessions will be available, and we did find patients seemed to like to drop in as and when.
7. Centre review
JC reminded Judith/Yvonne and Jim re the Centre Review on 28th Jan where 3 PPG reps attend the practice annual meeting to participate in planning the MHC year ahead to make sure the patients views and voice are included.
The topic this years is safety: safety systems including patients and staff safety.
We have a strategy which PPG preps can bring back to the next PPG meeting and discuss.
If anyone has any ideas about topics to take to the centre review can they let Judith, Jim or Yvonne know
8. AOB
8.1 Newsletter
The Spring Newsletter is planned for early Feb. Immunisations/Events/Telephones/PPG information/Cancer Care are prepared to be included. Andy may like to do an article on Men’s Health as his talk was well received, and a piece on Reports and Forms. PPG to let JC know if they have any ideas of information which may be useful. Yvonne will proof read and Judith will write an introduction. Maybe, if there is space, Andy can write an article on the private care policy.
Future meetings
16th Feb, 30th March, 11th May, 22nd June, 3rd Aug, 14th Sept, 26th Oct and 7th Dec 2026
Practice website address: www.marylebonehealthcentre.co.uk
NHS North West London North West London – North West London Critical Care Network (londonccn.nhs.uk)
Central London Health Care (GP Federation MHC members of) www.centrallondonhealthcare.co