Denmark Road Medical Centre

The PPG is strategic and not concerned with fund raising. It was established in 1997. The group meets every 8 weeks and members tend to have a working knowledge of healthcare. There is a 'core membership' of about 6 people.

The group pushed for telephone consultation in 2003 and the GPs agreed to introduce this. Surveys/questionnaires are regularly carried out by the PPG. The group also investigated with the practice ways of ensuring confidentiality in the open reception area and have been involved in Caldicott recommendations in the practice.

The main influence on the Primary Care Trust is having a representative from the PPG (Neil Kermode) on the patient involvement committee of the PCT. Other members have been involved on working parties and this PPG is often quoted by Non-Executives of the PCT as an example. This group influenced the PCT to include in their action plan to have a PPG in all 24 practices in the PCT catchment area.

The PPG feels the critical factors for success are:

• Win the heart and mind of at least one GP - PPG feel a national push on GPs would help

• Be seen to be operating and achieving things - be pro-active

•  Push the same values as the GPs

• Tell the GPs what they are doing well - positive re-enforcement is important - tell them you are on their side

• Getting PCT Non-Executive Directors along to the PPG meetings

• Constancy - there will be someone there when the PCT asks for something

•  Be ready and willing to respond to consultation - often at short notice

• Write to the Chief executive - make yourself real to the PCT high level officers

Contact Details:

Neil Kermode
01202 529016 or 0797 0074377
neil.kermode@bigfoot.com