Patient Participation Group (PPG)

To make sure our services meet the needs of all, we invite registered patients to join our Patient Participation Group.

Our Patient Participation Group is a partnership between the practice and its patients, and meets regularly with practice leaders and GPs to discuss matters relevant to you, as well as local and national issues.

As a member, you can:

–  help to shape and improve your GP service
–  help to make sure services meet the needs of different communities
–  find out more about national issues and changes to the NHS

Register to join our PPG and select any of the headers below to find out more.

How do I join?

If you are interested in helping us to improve, simply complete the online PPG Joiner Form. We have included some more background information that may answer any other queries you may have.

What is a PPG?

Each PPG is unique: evolving to meet local needs. PPG works with the practice to:

  • Offer patient perspective on services provided by the practice
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of services
  • Foster improved communication between the practice and its patients
  • Help patients to take more responsibility for their health
  • Provide practical support and help to implement change

A PPG is not

  • A forum for complaints
  • A doctor’s fan club
  • A time-consuming activity for practice staff

PPGs work by

  • Building a relationship between the practice and its patients
  • Building a relationship between different patients
  • Breaking down the barriers between the practice and patients and between patients
  • Sharing information

A PPG should be

  • Self-organised and patient led
  • Confident in its ability to challenge the practice
  • Able to have an open dialogue with the practice

Advantages for the patients

  • Patients learn how to become more responsible for their own health
  • Patients will have a better understanding about the practice and its staff
  • Patients will be consulted on arrangements in primary health care before decisions are made
  • Patients will have a forum to suggest positive ideas for change and voice concerns

Advantages for the practice

  • The practice will be able to plan services jointly with patients
  • Get closer to the community for whom they care
  • Help patients with non-medical and social care issues
  • Get help from patients to meet targets and objectives
  • Have a forum to voice ideas and concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are you asking people for their contact details
A: We want to talk to people about the surgery and how well we are doing to identify areas for improvement.

Q:  Will my doctor see this information?
A: No. It is purely to contact patients to ask them questions about the surgery and how well we are doing. Your doctor will only see the overall results.

Q: Will the questions you ask me be medical or personal?
A: General questions about the practice, how we are providing services and what we can do to improve them.

Q: Who else will be able to access my contact details?
A:  No one beyond the practice.

Q: How often will you contact me?
A: Not very often, 1-2 times a year

Q: What is a patient participation group?
A: It is a group of volunteer patients who are involved in shaping the services to patients.

Q: Do I have to take part in the group?
A: No, but if you change your mind, please let us know.

Q: What if I no longer wish to be on the contact list or I leave the surgery?
A: We will ask you to let us know if you do not wish to receive further messages.

Q: Who do I contact if I have further questions?
A: Practice Manager