1. What is a Patient Participation Group? Worthen Medical Practice has had an active PPG since 2004.

2. A group of patients who meet together to learn from each other and represent patients’ interests.

3. Worthen PPG is independent of the surgery but works in partnership to make things better for patients. Patients can participate as much or as little as they like.

4. Patients and the surgery work together to improve services and promote healthy living.

5. The WPPG meets regularly on the 4th Wednesday of the month to discuss health issues of interest, hear talks from local initiatives and develop projects.

6. A public meeting was held in May 2009. We asked local people what they felt could be provided for patients. Over 70 people including 4 parish & 3 county councillors attended the event. Suggestions from most of the tables were about the difficulty finding out what services were available locally

7. Suggestions from participants included:  A pop in café  Keep fit activities and dance classes  Help finding out where to go & who to ask  First aid training  Companionship and visiting for. housebound or isolated patients

8. The Callow Café coffee mornings are held on the first and third Fridays of the month at the Methodist Chapel providing an opportunity for both patients and members of the local community to meet together in convivial surroundings while enjoying home baking at minimal cost. A Pop-in Café

9. Gentle Xtend exercise sessions for the not so young continue to be held. Each session includes a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit and a chat. In November 2012 the Xtend class celebrated its 3rd year of meeting and exercising. Keep fit & dance classes Street dancing taster sessions for young people

10. The group is friendly and sociable and laughter can always be heard. Each session costs £4 which includes a cup of tea or coffee, a biscuit & chat. Xtend exercise sessions Phone: 891383 for details

11. The ‘Health Walking Group’ meets at 10.00am on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month at the Community Centre in Worthen. This Group organises short walks and a chat and is suitable for people with limited mobility. Health Walking Group

12. Contact Tony Payne on 01743 891915 For more details

13. The monthly WPPG meetings provide information from a variety of local organisations. Visiting speakers have discussed a range of issues: * GP led health centres * out patient appointments * patient involvement * patient surveys * the local area strategic plan Help in knowing where to go & who to ask WPPG members have collected considerable knowledge about many services available locally.

14. Four British Red Cross first aid training sessions were provided at minimal cost and were well attended by Worthen Medical practice patients. Training in first aid

15. Companionship and visiting for housebound Several members have trained as CoCo (Compassionate Communities) volunteers to provide practical and emotional support to unsupported patients across the practice area. They visit patients with long term conditions in their own homes, on a regular basis for approximately one hour per week.

16. The WPPG newsletter is published from time to time to inform patients on the work and successes of the group. Copies can be obtained from the surgery, e-mailed to you or available on the practice website. Communication - newsletters

17. WPPG members can receive email updates about what is happening at the county and national levels that affects patients and other health issues of interest. Minutes of WPPG meetings and the Shropshire Patients’ Group are also circulated Communication - emails Why not sign up to become connected and receive updates?

18. WPPG has information pages on Worthen Medical Practice website: www.worthenmedicalpractice.nhs.uk There is a wealth of useful information on this site Communication - website

19. WPPG has played a major role in gathering patients views for recent practice surveys — the results of which can be seen on the practice website Communication - surveys

20. During 2013, WPPG members aim to investigate further the issues raised during the previous survey and capture the views of a more diverse group of patients. Communication - surveys Topics to be discussed are: medicines management at the practice satisfaction with access at the surgery the availability/accessibility of patient information.

21. During 2014, our brand new surgery premises will become a reality. WPPG members are supporting the work of the new practice, by providing much needed equipment and comforts for the benefit of patients through funds raised voluntarily in much the same way as a hospital League of Friends does. Exciting times ahead

22. Our new surgery So far, profit from the Callow Café and donations to the group have raised just over £2,800 This is almost enough for the 24 hour Holter monitor (£3,000). The group is now raising £5,000 for an ECG machine

23. WPPG is raising £5,000 for an ECG machine How could you help? If we all help in a little way it will mean that the total is achieved sooner and everyone will benefit. Can you help us to meet the total?

24. The WPPG is immensely supportive of the practice in its application for funding for a new surgery and is currently fund raising. How can you help? There are plenty of great fundraising opportunities: Sponsoring Donating Baking Raffles Quizzes Craft sales Promise auction Please help us to achieve our total

25. WPPG is always open to new members and is particularly keen to recruit younger members and patients from the wider community to more accurately reflect their views. Becoming connected

26. We are especially keen to make sure that the group is fully representative of our patients and therefore invite anyone with an interest to enquire about joining. Becoming connected Please contact Tim Worley for further details: worleytim@yahoo.co.uk tel: 01743 891587

27. There are two levels of participation: 1.Join the group and come along to our meetings to discuss issues and help to improve services provided locally. 2. If you would like to be involved but may not be able to commit the time needed to attend meetings, why not join our Virtual Patient Group? Becoming connected

28. Is for Patients who are willing to be contacted occasionally for their opinion, answer a question or two or to participate in a short questionnaire by email. You will also receive an electronic copy of our newsletter. If you are interested please contact Tim Worley or pick up a VPG form at the surgery. The Virtual Patient Group