It is a group of volunteer patients and practice staff who engage and discuss the topics for discussion the patients would like them to be.
Patient participation is:
- Patients working with practices to improve services;
- Varied to suit local needs
- Based on cooperation
Patient participation is not:
- A forum for complaints; although the group may discuss complaint themes to identify areas for improvement
- A doctors’ fan club
- A time-consuming activity for patients and practice staff
What is the aim of a PPG?
The aims of the Patient Participation Group (PPG) are as follows:
- To encourage a positive relationship between the patients and all of the surgery staff
- Represent a voice for the patient in the practice
- To be realistic about what you can achieve and to look for small changes that can make a real difference
- To work together constructively and positively to help identify solutions and to work in partnership with the practice and other local organisations
- Carry out research to find out what matters to patients and discussing the findings with the practice
- To encourage patients to engage in their own healthcare and future needs
The practice(s) will work with the PPG to develop an action plan for implementing changes.
How does having a PPG benefit the patients and the practice?
Good for patients
- Patients will take more responsibility for their own health
- Patients will have a clearer understanding and knowledge of the practice and staff
- Patients will benefit from improved communications with staff
- Patients will have a forum to suggest positive ideas and voice their concerns
Good for practice staff
- Staff will be able to plan services jointly with patients and this should make services more effective.
- Staff will be able to help patients with non-medical and social care issues
- Staff will be able to get help from patients in meeting targets and objectives
- Staff will have a forum to voice concerns, ideas and suggestions to patients
- Staff will build stronger links with their community
How much of your time will being part of the PPG take?
It’s up to you!
We are keen to ensure that our PPG is representative of all of our patients so it is important that we explore different ways of engaging with you.
We would like to develop at least 2 ways of working with our patients:
- A PPG that meets regularly as defined by the PPG once it is in place
- A virtual PPG that allows those who cannot attend meetings to still be fully involved using email where available
Don’t Forget
Don’t forget we also have the Friends & Family survey so that if you wish to contribute but cannot attend in person and do not have access to email you can still provide feedback and recommendations when you are at the practice.
We are always keen to hear from patients who would be willing to devote a little time to helping the PPG – either as a committee member, or with the organisation and running of events, or have ideas for information sessions and events. If you are interested please complete the PPG form on line.
We plan to display events organised by the PPG on the practice notice board in the waiting room of the surgery in the near future.
Ideally, the Group is representative of our registered patients. We are particularly keen to hear from younger people, members of the LGTQI community, disabled people and BAME individuals.
We are very excited to be work with our patients to develop the patient experience at Wigton Group Medical Practice so we look forward to hearing from you.
For more information, please visit the National Association for Patient Participation website – www.napp.org.uk
