We are working with our local NHS to strengthen and diversify patient representation and ensure patient feedback is used to improve GP services.
A PPG is a group of patients, carers and GP practice staff who meet to discuss practice issues and patient experience to improve the services that the GP practice provides. These groups can meet face-to-face and/or online.
A PPG is a critical friend to the practice, giving feedback about GP services and changes that are made. PPGs can inspire positive change. For example, a PPG could give feedback to help staff make the appointments system work better. A PPG can also help provide information on what services are available to patients and it can organise health promotion events and social activities.
PPGs can work in a number of different ways. Before the coronavirus pandemic, most groups would have regular meetings at the surgery, but some may now meet online. Some also involve a wider group of patients who do not usually attend meetings, using e-mail to communicate news and seek patient views. An effective PPG is patient-led and self-organising. Practice staff should help and support the PPG, and work in partnership with the group.
Anyone over the age of 16 who is registered at the practice can join. Carers of people registered at the practice can also join the PPG.
Contact your surgery and ask for details or visit your surgery’s website for information by using the button below.
There are a number of free online training sessions available to help you understand more about how the NHS works. From time to time we also provide training to help you run and participate in your PPG.
PPG Network meetings happen three times a year and they are a chance for PPG members to come together share their experiences and talk about the most important issues affecting their surgeries and the services they get as patients and carers. There is also an opportunity to talk about other fun activities the PPGs organise.
