The Patient Participation Group (PPG) plays a vital role in our organisation by ensuring that patients and carers have a voice in shaping local healthcare services. All staff must understand:
- The purpose and importance of the PPG
- Who the designated PPG lead within the organisation is
- How to explain to patients how they can get involved with the PPG
In line with the Equality Act 2010, we have considered the impact of this policy on different individuals and groups. This policy applies to all employees and contractors working within the organisation.
The patient liaison and PPG lead for Binfield Road Surgery is Laura Dantas.
Purpose
Our organisation’s PPG meets regularly and plays an important role in strengthening the relationship between patients, carers, and healthcare providers. The group’s responsibilities include:
- Collaborating with the organisation to ensure patients and carers can influence local healthcare services
- Acting as a critical friend, offering constructive feedback and support
- Advising on patient perspectives and providing insight into the quality and responsiveness of services
- Encouraging patients to take greater responsibility for their own and their family’s health
- Gathering patient feedback through surveys and other research methods
- Organising health promotion events and supporting efforts to improve health literacy
- Maintaining regular communication with the wider patient population
Structure
The Patient Participation Group (PPG) committee will include the following roles:
- Chairperson
- Vice Chairperson (if appointed)
- Treasurer (if required)
- Organisation Representative
Additional roles may be created at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), subject to proposals made and agreed upon by the group. Committee members are selected from among the PPG membership by fellow PPG members. The group will consist of no more than 20 members and may include individuals who participate either in person or virtually. All members must be registered patients at this organisation. If a member ceases to be a registered patient, they will automatically forfeit their membership in the PPG.
Membership
The PPG consists of a representative sample of the organisation population. To become a member of the PPG, the applicant must:
- Be a registered patient or a carer of a registered patient
- Remain objective, contributing to group discussions appropriately with the patient at the forefront of their mind
- Work collaboratively with all group members
- Declare any potential conflicts of interests
- Listen to the views of group members
- Adhere to the terms of reference for PPG members
- Commit to upholding The Seven Principles of Public Life
Ordinarily, membership will be for an initial term of three years and is not restricted to those patients or carers who can attend face-to-face meetings. Members can contribute to discussions via the organisation’s virtual PPG. The personal details of PPG members will be stored electronically and following data protection guidelines.
Role of PPG members
The organisation encourages all PPG members to engage actively in their roles and responsibilities. Members are expected to:
- Liaise with patients and carers, gathering and discussing feedback relevant to the services provided by the organisation
- Promote the work of the PPG, actively engaging with the wider patient population and local community
- Attend meetings regularly, and send apologies in advance to the Secretary if unable to attend
- Remain polite, respectful, and objective during meetings, listening to and considering all viewpoints
- Contribute to discussions in a constructive and balanced manner
- Represent the wider patient population by expressing views objectively and fairly
- Take part in relevant training and development opportunities to support the work and effectiveness of the PPG
Additional resources
Further guidance on PPGs can be sought from The Patients Association or Healthwatch. The organisation has a PPG presentation that can be shown to prospective members or interested individuals.
