PPG

Since 2016 all GP Practices have been required to have a PPG as part of their contract with the NHS.  The PPG is an independent group of patients, whose role is to represent the “Patient Voice” to the Practice.  The PPG provides the Practice with its views on matters relevant to the practice, including local health provision.

There is no single model of PPG.  Some PPGs choose to regard all the patients of the Practice as members.   Others require interested patients to register as members.  In both models, there will usually be a small committee to run the affairs of the PPG. 

The PPG acts toward the Practice as a “critical friend”.  It may use information from patient surveys to provide the Practice with feedback on the patients’ experience and patients' views of proposed changes in the service provided. Some PPGs provide practical support where appropriate (for instance acting as marshals at mass vaccination events). The PPG will facilitate health education among the Practice’s patients. They may even take part in commissioning decisions.  The overall aim is to foster clear and honest two-way communication between the Practice and its patients for the mutual benefit of all.

Involvement with the Practice staff will give PPG members a better understanding of key health issues and constraints and this knowledge can be disseminated to all patients (for example in regular newsletters.)  The PPG will be in a position to influence decisions on the way in which the Practice is managed, for the benefit of all patients.

GPs and their staff will be able to plan services jointly with patients in order to increase their effectiveness.  Practice staff, including GPs, will receive clear messages on how patients view treatment and other services.  This will help Practices in meeting targets and objectives.  They will get closer to the community for whom they care.