What is the Patient Participation Group (PPG)?
Our Patient Participation Group (PPG) is a group of volunteer patients who work alongside the practice to help improve services and ensure that the patient voice is heard.
The PPG provides a valuable link between patients and the practice. Members share ideas, raise issues that are important to patients, and help the practice understand the views and experiences of the wider patient population.
Who is part of the PPG?
The PPG is made up of a Chair, Secretary and Committee Members. This steering committee drives the direction of the PPG and the priorities which it wishes to address. A PPG is open to views of every patient on the GP practice list. All communities, groups, genders, ages, ethnicities, and disabilities representing the patient list are encouraged to join.
What Does the PPG Do?
The PPG works with the practice to:
- Provide feedback on patient experiences.
- Suggest ideas for improving services.
- Discuss changes to how the practice operates.
- Help the practice understand the needs of different patient groups.
- Support health promotion and patient engagement activities where appropriate.
- Act as a “critical friend” to the practice by offering constructive feedback and suggestions.
The PPG does not deal with individual medical matters, complaints, or personal healthcare issues. These should be raised directly with the practice through the appropriate channels.
Why Join the PPG?
Joining the PPG is an opportunity to:
- Have a say in how local GP services are delivered.
- Help shape developments and improvements within the practice.
- Represent the views of other patients.
- Learn more about how general practice works.
- Make a positive contribution to your local community.
We welcome applications from patients of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences to ensure the group reflects our practice population.
Contact the PPG
You can email the PPG, or you can phone one of the committee members if you prefer to speak to someone. Contact details are given below:
Email: leatsidehc.patientparticipationgroup@nhs.net
Telephone:
How to Join the PPG
We are always keen to hear from patients who would like to become involved.
Who can join the PPG:
Applications are welcomed from all registered patients. Membership applications will be reviewed by the PPG in line with its terms of reference to help ensure the group remains representative of the practice population.
To apply to join the Patient Participation Group, please download and complete the PPG Membership Application Form (please see link below) and return it to the surgery.
Please note: The Patient Participation Group is an independent group of patients working in partnership with the practice. It does not have a regulatory or decision-making role and cannot intervene in individual patient care, clinical decisions, complaints, or staffing matters. Instead, it helps the practice understand patients’ views and supports the ongoing development of services for the benefit of all patients.
PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP APPLICATION FORM
FAQs
Q: How much time does the PPG require?
A: This depends on the individual PPG and the commitment of its members. Preparing for meetings (document reading) and attendance at the meeting would be a minimum.
Q: Will it affect my relationship with my GP?
A: No. The PPG work is separate from day to day practice work. The PPG and its members have no access to patient medical records. PPG feedback to the practice is general and anonymised
Q: Who else will be able to access my contact details?
A: Your contact details are only used for PPG purposes. They will be held securely and will never be shared without your permission. Adherence to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018 will always be followed.
Q: Does the PPG need to open a bank account?
A: If it is decided that fundraising will be held to buy equipment and services for the benefit of patients, the PPG will need a bank account. |
