What is a Patient Participation Group (PPG)?  

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.  

PPG Meeting Image 1

What does a PPG do?  

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.

How does a PPG work? 

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.

Who can join a PPG?  

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.  

How do I join a PPG?  

Contact your surgery and ask for details or visit your surgery’s website for information by using the button below.  

Contact your PPG

Training and information

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.

Find out more

PPG Toolkit

  • How to run a PPG
  • PPG roles
  • PPG Terms of Reference
  • Creating a PPG webpage
  • Primary Care Networks Map

View Toolkit

Haringey PPG Network Meetings

PPG Network meetings happen twice 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. 

Find out more