PATIENT INVOLVEMENT IN HEALTHCARE REFORMS
A common theme in healthcare reform over recent years has been the involvement of patients - seeking opinion and gaining feedback from the users of the various sectors of the NHS and shaping services accordingly. During the current year there has been more specific encouragement for GP Surgeries to engage with their patients and publicise the results of that process on Practice Websites.
Arthur Medical Centre has benefited from a dialogue with our Patient Participation Group (PPG) for over 6 years and during that time related information has been posted on our website. So in many ways we are already set up for the current requirements. However whilst we have a PPG Committee of around 12 patients who meet regularly we do need feedback from more patients and also from a wider range of ages and backgrounds to truly represent opinion from all quarters. We are therefore in the process of setting up a Patient Reference Group to supplement the work of the PPG Committee.
What is a Patient Reference Group? It is a group of patients that have put their names forward as being available to respond to questionnaires sent out by the practice from time to time and who are willing to provide comments and suggestions whenever they wish.
How do members communicate with the Practice? Communication is via email or post. Although there is no requirement to attend regular meetings, members might be invited to specific meetings on service developments and changes. Attendance to such meetings is voluntary.
What is the format of questionnaires and how often are they sent? The wording of questionnaires will be devised by the Arthur Medical Centre in conjunction with the PPG and the aim will be for a short and simple format (in plain English!). There will probably be 2 to 3 questionnaires per year.
How do I join the Patient Reference Group? Simply sign up by clicking on the "Patient Reference Group registration" link on the right hand side of this website and follow the instructions.