Welcome

Welcome to the first issue of the Growing Patient Participation Campaign Update. In each issue, we will provide you with campaign news, showcase some of the work being done by PPGs across the country, and offer some helpful hints and tips on getting the most out of your Patient Participation Group (PPG).

We welcome your feedback, so please email us at campaign@growingppgs.com with any comments or questions on articles featured in this Update, or suggestions on articles you like to see appear in forthcoming issues. 

The Growing Patient Participation campaign

PPGs are a proven way of improving the communication between patients and their practice, and of making real improvements to the way local health services are delivered. Yet despite the great work already being done, only 41% of general practices currently benefit from having a PPG.

That’s why the National Association for Patient Participation, NHS Alliance, Royal College of General Practitioners and British Medical Association have come together, supported by the Department of Health, to launch the Growing Patient Participation campaign, to raise awareness of and support the good work being done by PPGs, and to encourage more to be set up.

As part of the campaign, over the coming months we will be working with practices, the wider NHS and the media to highlight the benefits PPGs can bring. We will also be providing a range of practical support to existing PPGs, and those people looking to set one up. In addition to these Campaign Updates, you can also visit www.growingppgs.com for further information and resources. 

Making a difference: new fund launched to support PPGs

We are pleased to announce the launch of a new fund, as part of the Growing Patient Participation campaign. The fund, which will run until March 2010, provides the opportunity for existing PPGs to bid for financial support to help get new initiatives off the ground or to continue to support an existing one. All types of initiatives are welcomed - however small - and awards will be made based on merit.

Awards will be made on two occasions (winter 2009 & spring 2010) - the deadline for submitting an application for the first award is 23rd November 2009.

For more information on how your PPG can bid for funding and to download an application form, visit our website.

PPG Focus

Across the country, PPGs are helping to improve the patient experience and strengthen the way their practice operates, for example by carrying out research into the views of the patient population, introducing transport schemes, acting as a sounding board for their practice, running health promotion events and so much more.

We have been talking to Bob Seddon, one of the founding members of Patient Partners at the Morton Health Clinic in The Wirral, about their successes since the group was set up. In addition to providing information leaflets to patients about health issues including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and smoking, they have also worked closely with practice staff in response to patient demand for more flexible opening hours. Read more.

Food for Thought

Have you run a particularly effective recruitment drive for new PPG members? Or perhaps you ran a fundraising campaign which generated a significant response?

Sharing tips and ideas is a great way for PPGs to develop and get the best results. If you have a tip you’d like to share on setting up or running a successful PPG, or simply want to ask for help or advice, please email us with your ideas and we’ll feature the best suggestions on our website, and in our Campaign Updates!

Email your contribution to campaign@growingppgs.com