The Patient Participation Group ( PPG ) is an informal grouping of patients working with the Integrated Care Partnership ( ICP ). We have a wide variety of backgrounds and experience. We aim to ensure the best possible relationship between patients and the practice.
Meeting every two months or so, we aim to ensure that patients
- are kept fully aware of the services and facilities offered by the ICP
- have the best possible access to these services
- are fully aware of how their conditions will be treated both generally and specifically
- understand the implications of rapid changes taking place in the Health Service
- have the opportunity to identify where improvements may be made
Working with the ICP we have already secured improvements to the appointment system. You may now, for example, make an appointment with the Doctor of your choice up to 10 working days in advance. We have been closely involved in the new telephone system and have jointly prepared a new series of information leaflets which are becoming available in all surgeries. We are now engaged in developing a new communication strategy to significantly enhance the flow of information to patients both about the practice in general and the treatment of specific conditions.
Patient feedback through the annual questionnaire indicates that there is a high level of satisfaction with the services of ICP. It is not the intention of the PPG to act as a complaints service. Where these arise they are properly handled through the ICP's administrator Sue Ebanks. We aim however, to encourage constructive comment and respond to general issues of concern to patients.
We are now actively seeking new members - please see the News Page for further information
We may be contacted via Vicki Parnell - Information Manager -based at The Old Cottage Hospital.
vicki.parnell@nhs.net
