The Practice has a virtual patient participation group.This group of people are those patients who have agreed and given their consent for us to contact them by e-mail to ask their opinion on various subjects relating to the service the practice offers its patients. The same opinions will be sought in the form of paper questionnaires to be made available in the surgery. 

How often does the Participation Group meet?

We meet at the surgery, but not too often. We know that you are busy, so we meet only a few times per year and hope that you can join us.

If you can't make meeting in person, then don’t worry – you can still be part of our virtual group.

What is a virtual group?

A virtual group is a group of patients who would like to be part of the Patient Participant Group but prefer not to attend meetings. They get involved online instead. Information such as practice newsletters (in progress), minutes of the Patient Participant Group meetings and surveys will be shared electronically. It means that if you can't make it to face-to-face meetings, are caring for someone and unable to leave them, or are working, you can still be kept informed, give your views, and participate.

Will my views be heard?

Your views are important and will be listened to. It may not be possible to act on every suggestion, but all feedback is valuable and will be took into consideration. Working in a spirit of mutual respect, openness and trust, all patients' views will be discussed ad, where appropriate, we will work together on solutions.

What is a PPG?

A PPG is a group of volunteer patients registered with a General Practice who have no medical training but have an interest in the provision of local health services. PPGs are independent groups who take an interest in their local practice and health services in general.

What is the purpose of a PPG?

• To give patients the opportunity to provide feedback to the practice
• To represent the views of patients
• To provide a confidential space for all patients to voice their concerns
• To encourage activities and events within the practice
• To develop projects that help other patients, such as befriending, help with transport and bereavement support
• To gather feedback on health services in the area
• To help patients understand the challenges faced in General Practice

“A PPG is a group of people who work with their practices to provide practical support, to help patients to take more responsibility for their own health, and to provide strategic input and advice. They are based on cooperation between the practice staff and patients. They help to improve communication and engagement.”   National Association of Patient Participation (NAPP)

The Role of a PPG

Help the practice to improve services:

• Provide patient feedback to the practice
• Improve practice facilities and the experiences of patients
• Carry out surveys to understand patients’ views

Offer support to other patients, including:

• Offer bereavement support
• Set up carers groups
• Set up volunteer transport schemes for medical appointments

Provide information:

• Produce patient newsletters for the practice
• Make sure information and advice is user friendly (e.g. by providing feedback on leaflets and other materials)

Arrange special health events:

• Arrange for training in basic first aid for patients
• Raise awareness around particular issues or illnesses
• Awareness for particular cultural groups around issues that relate to them

PPG is not:

• A forum for complaints
• A vehicle for people to resolved their own personal issues
• A doctor’s fan club

What are the benefits of a PPG?

Good for the patients because:

• Patients can take an active role in their own health
• Patients will have a better understanding of how the practice works
• Patients can be informed about what is happening in the practice
• Patients will be able to influence what is happening in the practice
• Patients will have a forum to discuss and feedback on wider issues with health services in the area
• Patients will have a forum to suggest positive ideas and voice concerns

Good for the practice because:

• Practice staff can listen to patients views
• They will be able to get help from patients for projects and events
• They will form a relationship with their patients
• PPGs can take an active role in informing the whole patient population about what is happening in the practice

Good for the community because:

• Patients will have a group that represents them
• Patients will be more informed about what is happening in the practice
• Patients will have an opportunity to become involved in community projects

Resources from National Association of Patient Participation (NAPP)

NAPP has more than 40 years’ experience in facilitating and fostering patient participation, to ensure the patient voice remains at the heart of local, regional and national decision making.

NAPP has resources for patients and details further information about PPGs including a Step by Step guide to PPGs.   

The also have a dedicated section for healthcare professionals with lots of useful helpful information for GP practices on PPGs.