WSCCG is supporting Patient Participation Groups (PPGs), which are set up by local surgeries so that people can support the needs of their local practice population.
Each PPG has been set up differently. Some have evolved well and can offer experienced guidance and ideas to others, particularly to those who are at the early stages of development.
A PPG network for West Suffolk was established in November 2020. This is a virtual network, welcoming Chairs and members of the West Suffolk PPGs to attend. PPG members will be able to make suggestions on topics to discuss, speakers and the frequency of these meetings.
The most important element of the network meetings is the PPGs being able to share issues, best practice and problem solve together. There is a great emphasis on the importance of a GP or Practice Staff member attending the PPG meetings, in order for PPGs to receive updates from the practice but to also allow the practice to ask the PPGs for support where needed.
The network currently has members from 15 PPGs and covers all six PCNs across West Suffolk.
Sharing best practice and useful information:
-
- Example of PPG Terms of Reference by Phil Worsley, Secretary at Hardwicke House Group PPG
- Example of PPG Newsletter by Phil Worsley, Secretary at Hardwicke House Group PPG
- Example of PPG Action Log by Phil Worsley, Secretary at Hardwicke House Group PPG
- How can PPGs support practices with the uptake of information sharing with patients
- Reducing and managing missed appointments (Do Not Attends (DNAs) by Samantha Fowler, Practice Support Manager, WSCCG
- Building Better Participation: a resource developed by the National Association for Patient Participation with support from NHS England. It provides a guide to help PPGs and their GP practices work well.
- Altogether Better: a project developed in the Yorkshire and Humberside region that develops volunteers to work with their communities linked with the local general practices with an aspiration to achieve community centred general practice.
- GP Engagement Guide 2017: to help GP Practices engage with patients when making changes to services.
