What is a PPG?
A Patient Participation Group (PPG) is a group of patients, carers and GP practice staff who meet to discuss practice issues and patient experience to help improve the service.
Since 2015 it has been a contractual requirement of NHS England for all GP practices in England to have a PPG and meet at least quarterly.
What is the purpose of a PPG?
- To give patients and practice staff the opportunity to meet and discuss topics of mutual interest.
- To provide a means for patients to become more involved and make suggestions about the healthcare services they receive.
- To explore issues from patient complaints and patient surveys, contribute to actions plans and help monitor improvements.
- To contribute feedback to the practice on National Patient Survey results and Friends and Family Test feedback to propose developments or change.
- To support health awareness and patient education.
What can a PPG do for you?
Our Patient Participation Group (PPG) serves as a direct line of communication between you and our practice staff. They are here to listen to your suggestions and address any concerns you may have. If you would like to get in touch with a member of the PPG, simply submit an admin query through our website. Your voice matters to us, and the PPG is here to ensure that your feedback is heard and acted upon.
ABOUT OUR GROUP
Joining our local Patient Participation Group (PPG) offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the healthcare services in your community.
By becoming a member, you can voice patient thoughts, share ideas, and work collaboratively with the surgery to feedback on the quality of care. Please note specific complaints or personal issues should directed to the surgery through the formal feedback routes, ( usually to the Practice manager) . The PPG meeting is not the forum to raise personal complaints . PPGs serve as a bridge between patients and the surgery , improving mutual understanding and ensuring that services are patient focussed.
Additionally, being part of a PPG helps you stay informed about local health initiatives and access valuable resources. It’s a chance to meet like-minded individuals, develop new skills, and make a positive impact on the health and well-being of your community. Whether you have specific expertise or simply a passion for better healthcare, your contribution to the PPG can be both rewarding and impactful.
MEETINGS
The group meets virtually for 1 hour once every quarter usually from 7pm-8pm on specific Monday evenings .
At every meeting , representatives from the practice attend to, provide the latest news from the surgery about services and developments. Patient members are encouraged to raise questions or suggest topics they want to raise. Minutes are issued after every meeting.
HOW TO JOIN OUR GROUP
To register your interest to join the PPG please email the coordinator, Justin Jewitt, on his email : justinjewitt@aol.com or call him on 07970 287743 to ask any questions about the group.
The PPG also operates a closed Facebook group for patients of the surgery to join which provides information on services and health related initiatives and campaigns.