Geoff Almond -Chair of Mill Street PPG and patient rep on the St.Helens CCG Patient Involvement and Experience Group.
"From April 2016 all GP practices were expected to have a patient participation group (PPG) as part of meeting the GP contract. Successful PPGs are well supported by their practice. This is essential as the PPG is a partnership between the practice and its patients.
In St.Helens there are 30 PPGs and 34 practices.
They operate in different ways and some are more active than others.There is an opportunity for all PPG members to meet as a forum organised by the CCG.
At PPG meetings members are able to raise issues of their own or those of other patients.Its also an opportunity for the practice to update the PPG about what is happening at the practice.
I would encourage everyone to join their PPG. If there isn't one or its not very active then again you have a wonderful opportunity to change things.
Please do contact me if you want to know more about PPGs and if you would like more information on how you can become a PPG member."
Telephone -01744 627596
Email: engagement@sthelensccg.nhs.uk
Do you want to get involved in your local PPG?
You can contact your practice directly to find out how their PPG works and how you can become and member and get involved. There is also advice on how to get started and set up a PPG.
Further PPG developments
The CCG is working with the Primary Care Team to develop the PPG’s across the Primary Care Networks and how we can provide locality PPG forums across the four areas North, Newton and Haydock Central and South. The plan is that the 34 PPGs will work independently and then come together within localities to share best practice and support each other on themes occurring. For more information on the plans please contact:
Paul Steele Engagement, Involvement, Communications and Patient Experience Lead on 01744 624269 or email engagement@sthelensccg.nhs.uk