PPG (PATIENT PARTICIPANT GROUP)

The purpose of the Patient Participation Group (PPG) is to enable patients of the Maidstone Road Surgery to engage with practice staff to drive innovation and change and ensure that the services it provides are meeting the needs of its patients.

PPG's work by building a relationship between the practice and its patients, breaking down barriers, sharing information and creating a greater sense of cooperation and share responsibility.

This is intended to:

contribute to the continuous improvements of services and quality of care.
foster improved communication between the practice and its patients
help patients to take more responsibility for their health
provide practical support for the practice and to help implement changes.

How does it benefit the patient?

PPGs enable the patient to

gain greater understanding and knowledge of the practice and its staff
benefit from improved communications with the practice
have a forum to suggest positive ideas
become involved in and take responsibility for their own health
support other through non-medical support

How does it benefit GP's and their practices?

GP's and the practice can:

plan local services jointly with patients in order to increase their effectiveness
hear the issues which are most important to their patient population
have a forum to make ideas and suggestions to patients
get closer to the community for whom they care

The PPG is not the appropriate forum to pursue a complaint against the practice or to raise concerns about a particular individual.

The PPG meets quarterly at our Upchurch surgery on a Wednesday from 12 noon. If you would like to get involved, please contact the surgery to register your interest.

Minutes of the PPG meetings can be accessed here

November 2023