A Patient Participation Group (PPG) is one of the ways that Bromley Clinical Commissioning Group consults with and involves patients in planning and running GPs surgeries.
Anyone can join – why not find out about your GP practice and join in?
PPGs are a way for patients and carers to:
- work with GPs and practice staff to improve local services and the quality of care
- improve communication with patients
- promote health and wellbeing
- ensure practices remain accountable and responsive to patient needs.
Why are PPG members valuable?
PPG members suggest ideas for improvements and voice any concerns about how services are organised or managed to best meet their needs and the needs of the local community.
How does a PPG work?
A PPG obtains the views of patients about the services in the practice and contributes to decision making in the practice. It acts as a sounding board on patients’ needs, concerns and interests and helps patients to understand the practice viewpoint. It helps to promote information which may assist with health or social care.
PPGs can work in a number of different ways. They usually include volunteer patients, the GP practice manager, and maybe one or two GPs. The GP practice may provide some administrative support.
Most groups have regular meetings at the surgery. Some also involve a wider group of patients using e-mail to communicate news and seek patient views. Some GP practices run only a ‘virtual group’, using email only as the most effective way to engage with local patients and carers.
PPGs can also provide an area in the waiting room with up-to-date information on current activities and opportunities for patients to comment (e.g. suggestion box). This can raise patient awareness of the range of services available at the surgery and help patients to use services effectively.