1. 1 Patient Participation Group James Street Family Practice

2. 2 Why? PPGs create a connection between the Practice and its patients; allowing open, constructive discussion. PPGs create a connection between the Practice and its patients; allowing open, constructive discussion. Allows direct access to information on the needs and perspectives of the Practice’s patients. In return this allows the Practice to tailor services to their patient population making it more responsive and accessible. Allows direct access to information on the needs and perspectives of the Practice’s patients. In return this allows the Practice to tailor services to their patient population making it more responsive and accessible. PPGs are an excellent way to mobilise and give voice to the goodwill that practices have in their community. PPGs are an excellent way to mobilise and give voice to the goodwill that practices have in their community.

3. 3 How shall we run the PPG? Establish ground rules Constitution – Clarity of purpose of the group is essential. Objectives to be determined. Meetings – The importance! Necessity! Types!

4. 4 Develop Aims & Objectives Aims Challenging but attainable Focus on matters which relate to local needs and concerns, but include discussion on national trends and policies which have a local impact Focus on Quality of service Access Changes to the practice or service provision Impact of the group on patients Good aspects of the practice that should be widely known about Aspects of the Practice that need to improve Public opinion Linking into the community

5. 5 Challenges Keeping the group going early on The groups expectations become too high Getting the PPG to communicate with other patients Recruiting and maintaining the interests of members Setting up projects that are truly practical and beneficial to the Practice

6. 6 Available Resource National Association Of Patient Participation N.A.P.P What do N.A.P.P do? Encourages the formation of patient participation groups Provides information for groups Seeks to influence national policy Information on N.A.P.P. is at www.napp.org.uk