Growing Patient Participation

Welcome to our 3rd Issue

Welcome to the third issue of the Growing Patient Participation Campaign Update. As well as the regular ‘PPG tips’ and ‘PPG Focus’ features, this issue includes details of our new Growing Patient Participation communications toolkit for PPGs, our new and improved website, and our whereabouts during conference season.

As always, we welcome your thoughts so please email us at campaign@growingppgs.com with any feedback on articles featured in this Update, suggestions you might have for forthcoming issues, or to share details of your own PPG’s activities.

A new look to our website

The Growing Patient Participation campaign has re-launched its website to provide both new and existing PPGs with even more support and advice on getting the most out of their group. The new site, launched on 19 October, contains a range of new information and resources, including tips on getting started and recruiting and retaining members, FAQs and lots of examples of good practice from groups across the country. Whether you’re a patient or professional interested in starting a group or supporting the work of your local PPG, or someone involved in an existing group, this new site is designed for you. Visit us at www.growingppgs.com and give us your feedback on what you think of the site. We’d love to hear from you!

COMING SOON - Communications toolkit for PPGs

We are pleased to announce the imminent launch of a brand new communications toolkit, which is designed to serve as a practical guide to help new and established PPGs engage with the local community, publicise their successes and become an ambassador for other PPGs.

The toolkit provides lots of ideas, advice and practical tips as well as real-life examples of how other PPGs have gone about recruiting new members and increasing the impact of their local initiatives through effective work with their local media. It also includes guidance on how groups can support other local practices and PPGs, and work effectively with their PCT and other local organisations. The toolkit offers a range of template resources, including a press release, website and newsletter copy.

The toolkit has been developed in consultation with a group of experts including GPs, Practice Managers, PPG members and PCT representatives, to ensure that it is as useful and practical as possible.

You will soon be able to download a copy of the toolkit from our website - you can register now to receive a copy by email when it becomes available by simply sending your request to campaign@growingppgs.com.
 

PPG Focus

This PPG Focus looks at the work of the Patients Forum at the Whaddon House Surgery in Bletchley, which was one of the first practices in Milton Keynes to set up a PPG.

The Patients Forum has introduced a number of positive changes, including an easy to operate self check-in system and a new appointments system that has led to fewer cancelled appointments. The practice was one of the first to offer extended opening hours and ‘early bird’ appointment slots.

To engage the patient population the group helped set up a quarterly newsletter, featuring profiles of GPs and staff and seasonal suggestions on how to keep healthy, as well as a highly successful website. The website provides information about the practice, including the services available and the work of the PPG; updates on national issues such as swine flu; and advice and guidance on a range of health issues. It also includes a facility to allow patients to request repeat prescriptions online, cancel appointments and update the practice on changes to their personal details.

You can read other case study examples on our website.
 

PPG tips – helpful hints from PPGs

This issue’s PPG tips come from groups that have devised effective ways of providing patients with easily accessible information about topical health issues.

Providing information leaflets
According to Bob Seddon, Chair of Patient Partners at the Morton Health Clinic in The Wirral, one of the group’s most important and effective pieces of work is providing information leaflets about health issues, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and smoking, to those unable to access this kind of information through the internet. The leaflets, which are available to pick up in the waiting room, are popular with patients and feature details of how to access local specialist help and support. Email Bob to receive their latest leaflets about swine flu, alcohol and staying warm this winter. To read more about the work of Patient Partners, click here.
 

Arranging health promotion days
Sheila Rodgers, who is a member of Daybrook PPG at the Daybrook Health Clinic in Nottingham, says her group used a health promotion day to raise awareness of ways to tackle obesity, the harms associated with smoking and the importance of more efficient medicine management. She explains how the event was combined with a tea party in aid of Marie Curie, which as well as raising money for the charity, also provided a chance to speak to patients about the purpose and benefits of the PPG, with a view to recruiting new members. Read more about the health promotion day in the group’s latest newsletter.

If you have a hint or tip to share, email us your contribution.