The Patient Participation Group (PPG) is an informal grouping of patients working with the Integrated Care Partnership (ICP) with the aim of promoting the best possible relationship between the Practice and Patients to the benefit of both.
In the past year the PPG has undergone considerable change: the membership has been reconstituted in order to include younger members and to be more representative of the 32,000 patients currently covered by the four surgeries within the ICP. We are affiliated to the National Association of Patient Participation Groups (N.A.P.P.), have 12 members from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, meeting as necessary but approximately every two months.
We aim to ensure that patients:
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Have an opportunity to discuss issues of current importance from time to time and that their views are brought to the notice of the Partners for consideration. In order to do this we have set up three Focus Groups on a semi permanent basis to meet as required.
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Are kept fully aware of the services and facilities offered by the ICP, and have the best possible access to these services
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Are informed of how their conditions will be treated both generally and specifically
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Understand the implications of the rapid changes taking place in the Health Service
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Are enabled to identify and suggest 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 also been closely involved in the new telephone system and have jointly prepared a new series of information leaflets which are available in all surgeries and are now engaged in developing a new communication strategy to enhance significantly the flow of information to patients both about the practice in general and treatment of specific conditions. We are planning to launch an occasional Newsletter.
Patent feedback through the annual questionnaire indicates that there is in general a high level of satisfaction with the service of the 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 Practice Services Manager, Sue Ebanks.
We aim however, to encourage constructive comment and respond to general issues of concern to patients.
We may be contacted via Vicki Parnell- Information Manager – based at the Old Cottage Hospital: vicki.parnell@nhs.net
Revd. Dr. Patrick Miller
Chairman PPG
March 2011
