Friends of Riverside Medical Practice

There are 2 GP partners and a population of approximately 4000 patients. It is a mixed population of affluent and deprived areas. The PPG was formed in 1999 through a newsletter advert from the practice.

The group has helped patients understand misuse of the out of hours service resulting in a statistical reduction in the misuse of the service.

The group persuaded doctors to approve a lunch hour closure to allow admin staff to catch up on administrative work.

The group successfully lobbied both the local council regarding car parking arrangements and the PCT concerning the funding of new premises.

An information room for the PPG is now established in the surgery and PPG members are included when PCT annual visits take place.

The PPG feels the critical factors for success are;

•  Encourage Patient Forum membership for PPG members

•  Attend PCT Board meetings

•  Have ground rules laid out from day one - not a personal complaints service

•  Good communication about agendas/meetings

•  Involve PPG members as guinea pigs for new systems e.g. appointments

• Someone from the practice team to be integral part of the PPG

Contact Details:

Lisa Elliot
01642 604117
lisa.elliot@nhs.net