The Friends of Greystone Practice

Greystone is a large and forward looking practice of 11,500 patients with 6 GPs - it is generally an affluent population.

The PPG was formed 8/9 years ago. There are 8/10 committee members and the group is now a registered charity.

PPG has carried out two large patient surveys with 1100 patients - 10% of the population - and provided feedback for GPs.

PPG has raised significant funds in last 3 years - approx £6000 - to purchase equipment such as digital camera for doctors to send pictures electronically to hospital consultants (e.g. dermatology) thus saving trip to hospital for patient. The group also raised funds for INR monitoring machine allowing patient to have test in practice - again preventing a trip to hospital form the patient.

The PPG feels the critical factors for success are:

•   Important to have the support of the doctors and practice manager at PPG meetings

•  Now there is leverage about money (for doing surveys for instance) in the new GP contract the PPG can influence the PCT by offering support and doing surveys. This in turn will influence PCT thinking.

•  PPG can help as the 'communicator' between the practice and the patient - using patient friendly language.

•  PPG members can assist with admin in things like Flu clinics to raise awareness of the PPG role.

Contact Details:

Derek Dryburgh
01737 241569
deryk@dryburgh.net