1. PPG Newsletter Introduction Spring 2017
Hello to all patients and carers of the Peel Medical Practice!
Here is the latest newsletter from your Patient Participation Group, or PPG as we are usually called. As well as representing you as Practice patients, we are also your voice. So do let us know about your experience of the services the Practice provides. You can leave a message in the Suggestion Box in the waiting area, or with the reception staff for the attention of me, Diane Lever, Chairperson of the PPG. Or you can me on

2. PPG Newsletter Spring 2017 Dementia Friendly Initiative
Great news! The Practice, and PPG, has been accepted to join Tamworth Action Alliance (TAA), the body set up to promote awareness of dementia locally. We have all received training on how to recognise and understand dementia and are now proudly entitled to wear our “Dementia Friend” badge. We are the first Practice in the town to join the TAA – another reason to be proud!
You will notice that the surgery interior has recently been redecorated, and some of the walls are now blue. This colour was chosen because it is one of the colours people with dementia are most comfortable with.
We are holding a Coffee Morning on Tuesday May 16th (right in the middle of Dementia Awareness Week) to raise awareness of dementia and what each of us can do to help. Please do come along for a coffee and some cake – there is no obligation to do other than turn up! We would love to see you there.
Automatic Doors
We have recently had problems with the newly installed doors which are currently being replaced and re-installed. Please bear with us in the short term as we are doing all we can to ensure your convenience, security and safety.

3. PPG Newsletter Spring 2017 New Staff at the Practice
Feedback on the appointment system
As you may know, the Practice is currently having difficulty in responding to requests for appointments as quickly as it normally does. This is due to a number of things, including a rise in the number of patients, and also a national shortage of GPs. To deal with this, the Practice is to take on two more Nurse Practitioners who will ease the pressure on doctors, freeing them up to see more patients. This situation is widespread throughout the country and not simply a Peel Medical Practice issue. The Practice asks for your understanding and patience as it continues to do its best to meet patient needs as efficiently as possible.
The Practice has been using a new system for patients wanting to make an appointment to be seen that day. The system has been in place for some weeks and we would now be grateful for your thoughts/comments/ experience of using it. We have prepared a short questionnaire for you to complete, please pick up a copy in the waiting area or ask for one at Reception. You can hand it in at Reception when you have completed it. Many thanks for your help with this, we really appreciate your time in letting us know what you think

4. PPG Newsletter Spring 2017 PPG News
We were saddened to hear that one of our founder members, Ken Roadknight, passed away recently. Ken was held in great affection by the group and was an active and committed member of the PPG. We shall miss him very much. We send our condolences to Pat his wife and thank her for her past support of the PPG.
Other long-standing members of the PPG have now left the group, and we thank them for the many years of service and support they have given to the Practice. We have welcomed several new members to the group and hope they find their participation interesting and rewarding.
We are always looking for ways to make it easier for you as a patient to have your say on issues affecting the Practice. We communicate with a large group of patients via , so if you have recently changed your address do let us know. Please do take a few seconds to respond if you receive an from us.
Are you aware that in addition to our website we have a Facebook page available at Peel Medical Practice? This gives you up to date information and current health news. You can also see your medical records and test results by logging in on Patient Access.