Patient Participation Group

We would like to know how we can improve our service to you and how you perceive our surgery and staff.

What is a Patient Participation Group or PPG?

A Patient Participation Group (PPG) is a group of people who want to help the surgery to work as well as it can for patients, doctors and staff. A PPG is made up of a group of patients and GP practice staff who meet to discuss practice issues and patient experience to improve the service.

The NHS recommends every practice to have a PPG and the CQC (care quality commission) highlights the importance of ensuring that services are responsive to patients’ needs.

A PPG will meet periodically throughout the year to discuss ideas, suggestions, initiatives etc. that will help to shape the surgery. PPG members can also play an active role in particular aspects of supporting our patient community.

Who can join the PPG

Every patient that is registered at the surgery, over the age of 16 is welcome to join us! There is no limit to numbers! We would love a broad spectrum of patients from all walks of life, young people, workers, retirees, people with long term conditions and people from different ethnic groups.

Why should I join?

You will have been to the surgery as a patient, parent, carer or friend. Your experiences matter and you could make a difference. You can bring different ideas to the surgery to help us provide better or alternative services, or to improve what we do in some way. You will also gain a better understanding of the NHS and gather feedback from other patients.

Will my views be heard?

Your views are important and will be listened to. It may not be possible to act on every suggestion, but all feedback is very valuable. Working in a spirit of mutual respect, openness and trust, all patients’ views will be discussed and, where appropriate, we will work together on solutions.

Meetings

Our PPG meets 4 times per year (every three months) to discuss what is happening in the surgery, how you can help us and how we can improve our service to you. The group will lead on all things patient centred and has its own chairperson – It’s a very friendly and welcoming group and is compiled of patients from all ages and backgrounds. The meetings are also usually attended by a GP partner and a representative of practice management… Oh and we also aim to provide hot drinks, cake and biscuits to tempt you with!

We know that you are busy, so we meet only a few times per year and hope that you can join us. If you can’t make meetings in person, then don’t worry – you can still join us virtually via Microsoft Teams, just email for the link! Gmicb-tameside.st.andrewshouse@nhs.net

What does the PPG not cover?

The PPG is not the place for any complaints or a place to raise any personal issues. It is a group to air ideas and help make YOUR, practice the best it can be.

Joining us?

We would love for you to let us know your intentions of joining us and attending our meetings, but you are also welcome to just turn up!

Upcoming meeting dates

All meetings are held in the upstairs conference room at St Andrew’s House Medical Centre, 2 Waterloo Road, Stalybridge, SK15 2AU. Please report to reception upon arrival who will direct you to the second floor. There is also a lift for easier access.

· Thursday 9th May 2024 – 5:30pm

· Thursday 8th August 2024 – 5:30pm

· Wednesday 13th November 2024 – 5:30pm

· Thursday 13th February 2025 – 5:30pm

· Thursday 8th May 2025 – 5:30pm

· Wednesday 13th August 2025 – 5:30pm

Please make sure you follow our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/st.andrewshousemedicalcentre.stalybridge to stay up to date with surgery news and events and to note any changes in meeting dates.

For any members who have provided us with their email address, we will contact you with any scheduled changes.

Any questions?

For more information, please complete the form below and our practice manager will get in touch with you.