The Hamdon Surgery - Participation is the Key Word

Even before Covid-19 became daily headline news, the message coming from the NHS at all levels has been for us all to take more responsibility for our own health. For many this was just highlighting what was already commonplace but, with the increasing demand for NHS services, the need to look after ourselves – physically and emotionally – took on a higher priority when the pandemic hit us and ‘protecting the NHS’ soon became a mantra and the unprecedented scale of the impact required us all to rethink how we participate in managing our own well-being.

Behind the scenes, GP practices are encouraged to liaise closely with their Patients Participation Group (PPG) whose role during these challenging times has been vital. At their best PPGs are sounding boards for change, innovation and development as well as being a channel for patient feedback and for registering concerns. In the spirit of participation, PPGs do not ‘manage’ complaints but monitor, on behalf of patients how concerns are processed. Members are encouraged to be proactive by helping to shape how both clinical and administrative aspects of a practice can be enhanced to better meet the needs of patients in an ever-changing healthcare environment.

To this end, recruitment to PPGs of a broad representation of patients is a major objective. Providing voices that speak from differing perspectives is the ‘added value’ every PPG seeks. The level of involvement by any one member is very much in his/her hands. The Hamdon Surgery has an active PPG, we have 13 members and hold meetings monthly (via Microsoft Team) a confidential NHS software. Our meetings provide the basis for engagement with colleagues and practice staff.

For further information, contact your local practice and ask to be put in touch with the PPG Chair – details will also be available via our new website.