Patient Participation Groups (PPG) were established in 1972 and are made up of a mixture of patients at this surgery who have an interest in the services we provide. The PPG in Edenbridge was established in 2012.
The PPG works in partnership with the practice, contributing to the improvement of services and standards of care for the patient population. Their role is to ensure that Edenbridge Medical Practice puts the patient at the heart of everything it does. This means they act as a critical friend to the practice, advising on patient perspective, providing insight into the quality of services, encouraging patients to take a greater responsibility for their own health and researching the views of those who use the practice.
The PPG also play a part in sharing information, advice and support to encourage healthier communities and help local people to lead healthier lives.
Meetings take place quarterly and they follow an agenda. They are a forum to discuss patient issues, concerns and suggestions. It is also an opportunity to listen to speakers from the practice about developments or initiatives which will affect the patient population.
Any member of the Practice can be involved in the PPG
Please visit the National Association for Patient Participation (NASPP) Website. According to the National Association of Patient Participation, PPGs can make real constructive changes to the provision of services that are available at General Practice level, helping the practice to be more responsive and provide services that reflect the needs of the patient population.
Our PPG has a key role to play at Edenbridge Medical Practice as they help ensure that patients and their carers can influence our local services. They support the practice in developing services to ensure the needs and wishes of the patient population are met.
The role of the PPG includes:
- being a critical friend to the practice
- advising the practice on patient perspective, providing an insight into the quality of services
- encouraging patients to take greater responsibility for their own health
- researching the views of those who use the practice(including carers/relatives)
- participating in health promotion events
- regularly communicating with the patient population
Meetings take place quarterly and they follow an agenda and minutes are taken. If you have any concerns or queries please email ppg.edenbridge@hotmail.com or leave a note with reception.
TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE EDENBRIDGE MEDICAL PRACTICE (EMP)
PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP (PPG)
1, TITLE OF THE GROUP – The Group shall be called the PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP (PPG) of the Edenbridge Medical Practice (EMP) and will initially be affiliated to the National Association for Patient Participation ( future membership renewal to be agreed on an Annual basis ) .
2, AIM OF THE PPG – To promote the co-operation between the EMP, patients and the West Kent Integrated care board (ICB) to the benefit of all parties.
3, ORGANISATION OF THE PPG – The PPG’s activities will be co-ordinated by a Committee of volunteers and invited members. To facilitate operational efficiency the size of the PPG will initially be limited to a maximum of 6 volunteer members (chosen from patients who have expressed an interest and commitment to the PPG ) plus one clinical and one managerial representative from the EMP giving a total of 8 PPG members. This will be reviewed annually. The PPG will meet at least 4 times a year with an Annual General Meeting (AGM) held each May at which officers will be elected from nominations open to all patients. The PPG will elect a Chair and Secretary at least once a year or more frequently if required. The PPG will be guided by the EMP clinical and managerial representatives who attend all or part of the PPG meetings as appropriate. The EMP will keep the PPG informed of its policies and decisions relating to patients and West Kent ICB. Meeting times will be agreed in advance followed by meeting minutes.
4, ACTIVITIES OF THE PPG To assist the EMP in improving services to patients. To represent patient views and improve communication between patients and the EMP. To receive comments about the EMP and assist in responding to them. To express opinions on behalf of patients in regard to EMP policies. To provide to the EMP advice in regard to the implications of the results of Patient Surveys. To contribute to the EMP development process and comment upon any resulting action plans. To advise the EMP on the education needs of the patient community in regard to preventative medicine, healthy lifestyle choices, appropriate use of healthcare services and any other areas as to improve the health of the patient community and the efficient use of medical resources. To provide input to and publish feedback from the West Kent Integrated care Board, to co-operate with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and to influence the provision of primary and secondary healthcare and social care
Due to new premises and expansion of the facility to include public services provided by KCHFT (NHS) the minimum committee membership for a meeting is 4 and the maximum membership is 12. Both those numbers are public representatives.
