PPG

This is just a brief introduction and overview of what to expect from the PPG group.

Most GP practices now have a Patient Participation Group (PPG) or are in the process of setting one up.

The role of the PPG includes:

• Being a critical friend to the practice;
• Advising the practice on the patient perspective and providing insight into the responsiveness and quality of services;
• Encouraging patients to take greater responsibility for their own and their family’s health;
• Carrying out research into the views of those who use the practice;
• Organising health promotion events and improving health literacy;
• Regular communication with the patient population.

It is not a forum to:

• Air issues specific only to yourself or your friends/family
• Offer non constructive, abusive or personal criticism of the practice or staff

Volunteers should also not expect preferential treatment in return for their participation

Meetings will have agendas, publicly available minutes and will be chaired to ensure all participants have their views heard.  Anyone abusing the group will be removed.

Reflecting on our previous groups, we have learnt that attendance is difficult for most patients.  Hence we have taken the decision to mostly hold  virtual groups via email with 6 monthly face to face meetings (depending on number of people attending).  Agreeing to be part of the PPG will mean your email address will be shared to other members of the group only.  Your name and other minuted details may also be put into the public domain.  Please inform the chair if there is any part of the minutes you wish to be withheld for confidentiality reasons.

Once we have received consent from the final remaining PPG members, we will begin holding the virtual forums.