The purpose of the group is to see our local GP service from a patient’s point of view and pick up on any issues that might arise or any ideas that you might have for improvements. We would like to hear from people of all ages, but particularly from those with children and those with mobility problems. An annual survey will also pick up issues but if there is something you have a concern about then please speak to the practice manager.
We are very lucky that the Penisula Practice has been given an ‘Outstanding’ award by the Care Quality Commission, but the doctors feel they should not rest on their laurels and are looking to patients to suggest improvements which they think could be made. To date the group has reviewed infection control and arranged for hand gels to be installed by doorways. We have spent some time checking out the online access and reviewed the annual patient surveys. We have also helped to arrange the very successful ‘Help Yourself to Health Day’ which we are planning to repeat next year.
Amazingly, the practice covers twenty-two villages with over 3,900 patients - which could explain why it is not always possible to get an immediate appointment!
The PPG are currently looking at producing a brochure detailing all the services available from the practice, together with other useful information relating to a wide variety of health issues.
In addition, we plan to produce a quarterly article to be published in the various local newsletters to give patients a variety of local and national information. We hope to include articles about the surgeries and keep patients up to date with NHS press releases. These articles will also be available to read on the practice website:
www.thepeninsulapractice.co.uk
To be able to do all this and to be effective we need a strong team. If you feel you would like to help then please contact reception at either surgery. We currently meet four times a year for an hour or so, alternating times from afternoon to evening to fit in with people’s busy lives.
More on Health
Another local PPG has set up a regular walking group which is proving very successful, both for health and making new friends. Let us know if you are interested in joining a group in the peninsula - when the weather warms up!
Please contact the secretary at Alderton on 01394 411641 for any further information on the above
Patient Participation Group