Mission statement

The purpose of the PPG is primarily to represent the patients of the practice and to support the practice staff in the never-ending quest to enhance the quality of the medical provision. To achieve this the PPG will:

1. Organise regular meetings between patients, carers, medical staff and other stakeholders in order to discuss important issues and resolve any identified problems.
2. Actively encourage patients to offer their own suggestions as to how the medical service can be improved.
3. Explore complaints from patients in tandem with the medical professionals.
4. Encourage the use of modern communication systems designed to enhance the administrative efficiency of the practice.
5. Introduce and support schemes that encourage greater health awareness within the patient body and to provide opportunities for patients to learn how to ‘help themselves’ when confronted with less serious medical problems.
6. Create a small ‘steering group’ of PPG members which will coordinate and monitor future developments.

The PPG will in effect operate as a ‘critical friend’ to the practice and will always endeavour to maintain the most productive working relationships with the practice staff.

PPG meetings.

Such gatherings will be well publicised and mimic the conventional format for professional meetings. An Agenda will be distributed, formal minutes will be taken and at the outset, previous minutes will be made available for discussion and possible amendment.

The ethos of each meeting will be about identifying problem areas and then formulating a response that will lead to a successful solution. The emphasis will be on determining the action required and to identify those responsible individuals charged with carrying out the necessary developments. Success criterion will be listed to enhance future monitoring of any progress made.  It is important that meetings are not ‘talking shops’ and that all present are committed to making a positive difference.

To facilitate the efficient functioning of the meeting the following ground-rules are offered for guidance and compliance.

1. The meeting is not a forum to offer complaints or to provide details of personal health issues.
2. At all times those present will be respectful, friendly and supportive to others.
3. Openness and honesty are encouraged even if this may be disagreeable to some members. All views offered are to be reviewed and everyone has a right to be heard.
4. In general, when decisions are made anyone who does not oppose the decision will be deemed to be in agreement - unless they abstain.
5. Confidentiality must be preserved at all times. All members must sign the ‘Non-disclosure Form’.
6. Technical issues such as ensuring all phones are turned off, the prepared Agenda is followed, the meetings start and stop at the cited times and there are no disruptions, should be a feature at all meetings.

Welcome to the first edition of the PPG Newsletter.