National Patient Participation Group Week - Franks Story
A Patient Participation Group (PPG) is a organisation of GP practice patients, carers and practice staff who meet on a regular basis to discuss and support the running of their GP practice.
PPGs look at the services the practices offer, patient experience and how improvements can be made for the benefit of patients. Each PPG is different, but they all have the aim of making sure that the GP practice puts the patient at the heart of everything it does.
Frank Knapton MBE took the time to tell us about his experience of being part of his practice PPG.
About 10 years ago My Doctor at the Mexborough Health Centre asked me if I would be interested in forming a group of patients to help in additional improvements to the service, constructive suggestions and working, as a team with the Practice Manager, Doctors and other health professionals. I readily agreed as I was also involved in other community projects in Mexborough and across the Doncaster Borough.
I find volunteering addictive and really rewarding producing a "good feel factor" as results become to come through. Our Patient Participation Group is informal, I am the Chairman and Secretary and we have a good understanding with the practice manager and staff. We have no expenses so there is no need for any accounts on our part, We are a small group of around 6 members and we also appreciate the help and guidance of the Patient Participation Network Group across Doncaster, guided by Healthwatch Doncaster, learning from each other, sharing ideas and seeing results coming through for our wonderful National Health Service . We are aware of the additional need for patients to be kept updated on new procedures and additional help being provided, from time to time.
We also look forward to meeting the officers from the Care Quality Commission when they come round on their inspections and share our experiences, fostering our motto of "Pride with Passion and Performance" Enjoy your efforts! They will sometimes not come as fast as you like, but in the end it is great to see the improved results.
If you would like to get involved in your PPG, speak to your practice manager or give Healthwatch Doncaster a call.
