In the summer of 2014, over 50 patients packed into Hawne surgery for a meeting to launch the Patient Participation Group for our practice. Volunteers were asked for, in order to comply with the requirements of a PPG constitution Roger, Louise, Katherine and Dave put their hands up, like strangers in the night, but with the guiding hand of Jacqui, the practice manager.
The committee of your Patient Participation Group (PPG) was created. It’s true to say at that point, they had very little idea of what they had signed up for. Almost nine months later it is becoming a lot clearer and based on the interest and support they are receiving from many other patients, the PPG is starting to fulfil its purpose.
Using all the facilities and technology available to them, they are endeavoring to reach out to as many patients as possible. The PPG can now sense that the voice of the patients, has been turned up, giving all patients a greater sense of belonging to the practice and awareness of the bigger picture of what it does and can provide for us.
In summary so far, the PPG has:
- Given itself a collective identity embracing both surgeries, namely ‘The Lanes’.
- Set up and maintained two fresh surgery notice boards.
- Produced and circulated this new style of Newsletter, plus detailed minutes of each PPG meeting. These are being circulated by email or are available in each surgery.
- Received great support from many patients for the successful, first Christmas raffle.
- Attracted most interesting speakers on a range of specialist subjects – with the promise of more to come.
- And most importantly, arranged for refreshments at meetings!
On the downside, and there is just one,the committee have said goodbye to Katherine, whose growing commitments elsewhere, decided her that she could not give to the PPG the commitment she wanted to.
So,the PPG Committee have a vacancy, at least one as they have been thinking about adding to their ranks, as the first anniversary approaches. So, if anyone is interested in joining the team, that’s Louise, Dave and Roger, you can leave your contact details with reception at either surgery and a member of the Committee will contact you to chat about it.
Important: Next meeting
TBA
How to join our Patient Participation Group
All registered patients are able to join our Patient Participation Group. People of all genders, ages, ethnicities, and those with health conditions and disabilities are encouraged to join.
Members should as far as possible, be representative of the surgery population.