A Patient Participation Group (PPG) has been in existence at the Speedwell Practice formally since 2005, prior to this; informal meetings of the “critical friends” were initiated by Dr A Parker in 1998. The makeup of our PPG reflects the diversity of the practice area.
Some of our members, including our current chair, have been volunteering since the participation group was formally setup in 2005. The group brings a wealth of knowledge from all walks of life and contribute their experience of a variety of health problems, chronic illness, disability and caring roles. Between them they cover a range of ethnic backgrounds and religions reflecting the local community, PRG representatives are aged between 41 and 80 years old. We have representation from those who are employed, self employed unemployed and retired.
We strive to recruit and engage more patients to the group and encourage email contact for those unable to attend meetings. Please email us on [email protected]
Aim
- To give practice staff and patients the opportunity to discuss topics of mutual interest and, where possible, share decision making in the running of the practice.
- To provide the means for patients to make positive suggestions about the practice and be an advocate for patient preferences when appropriate.
- To provide a means for practice staff to inform patients about the reality of running a general practice.
- To improve communication between service providers, the group and the wider population to enable patients to access and make the best use of available health care.
- To encourage health education activities and health promotion within the practice.
- To encourage a spirit of self help and support amongst patients to improve their health and well-being.
- To act as a representative group that can be called upon to influence the local provision of health and well-being.
- To act as a representative group that can be called upon to influence the local provision of health and social care.
- To conduct a patient survey and to report the findings and actions to the group and the wider surgery population via the surgery website.
Please see the National Association for Patient Participation website for further information on the patient participation in primary care. http://www.napp.org.uk/