East Leicester PCT

This project is the development of a Patient Participation Group (PPG) in a part of Leicester with a high Black and Ethnic Minority population (80%). The model was so successful it was used to introduce other PPG's elsewhere in the City.

The formation of this PPG meant for the first time in the PCT area 12 people were selected as representative by their peers. The PPG decided themselves they wanted to form a committee without influence by PCT. The PPG formed and maintained productive working relationships with Practice Manager.

Initially patients were approached by letter inviting them to open meeting - this was followed by three meetings - the third meeting selected the 12 people to form the PPG.

The PPG meets every 6 weeks - patients all see minutes of meetings.

The project feels the critical factors for success are:

•  Understanding patients' perspective.

•  Working at the patients pace.

•  Clear lines of communication - up and down and across!

•  Transparency - say what you can and what you can't do.

•  PCT must have sensitivity to how communities work

Contact Details:

Jit Joshi
0116 2951400
jitesh.joshi@leics.nhs.uk