What is a PPG
Simply put, a PPG (Patient Participation Group) is the primary patients' representation within a GP Practice. Most GP practices gain feedback from patients using suggestion boxes and satifaction survey, however, a more direct and productive method is to have a PPG. It is usually comprised of about a dozen Practice patients meeting periodically to discuss issues that have been been raised by the wider Practice patient base. The Practice Manager and members of staff often attend these meetings, providing an opportunity to discuss issues of concern to patients outside of their busy day-to-day schedules. A more general discussion of PPGs can be found at the National Association of Patient Patricipation's website.
Clarendon Lodge PPG
The PPG was launched in 2012 after the Practice Manager requested that patients register their interest in forming a PPG. Meetings take place bi-monthly at the Practice and are usually joined by the Practice Manager and a GP. Our terms of reference can be downloaded here.
The Clarendon Lodge PPG has supported the practice through various changes and introduction of new services and ways of delivering its services to patients.
With the introduction of Primary Care Networks (PCNs) we are seeing another potential change to how care is delivered to patients and feel it is important that the patient voice is heard as these change take root.
Over the eight years the group has been involved in a wide range of activities:
- Met regularly with the Practice Manager and GPs.
- Produced a regular email Newsletter for patients.
- Analysed the Family and Friends information.
- Supported the development of a new Practice website.
- Assisted in setting up of a carer's group.
- Carried out tests of new practices and procedures (ie Access to records)
- Conducted patient surveys for the Practice.
- Initiated a Reminiscence Project for residential care homes.
- Represented the practice on the CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group) Patient's forum.
- Ensured the practice takes action on Patients' concerns.
- Met and talked with patients to gain their views and opinions.
- Been involved in the QCC inspections of the practice.
- Played a key role in the introduction of an new access system.
- Advised and supported the Practice as required.
We are also a member of the National Association of Patient Participation Groups.
If you are interested in joining the PPG, or wish to contact the chair (Martin Blows), you can email him on clmpppg@gmail.com (unfortunately you are not able to email directly from this website)
Please note that the PPG is not a complaints forum and cannot take up single issues on your behalf. The Practice does have a complaints procedure which can be accessed here.