An example of a Patient Participation Group (PPG)

One example of a PPG

Although relatively new, the PPG at Whaddon House Surgery in Bletchley was one of the first to be established in Milton Keynes. Some really positive changes have been put in place as a result of its regular meetings, including:

• introduction of a new appointments system and a considerable improvement on the old system, with fewer patients failing to attend their appointments;
• an easy-to-operate self-check-in system;
• a website that allows patients to instantly order repeat prescriptions (www.whaddonhousesurgery.co.uk);
• a quarterly newsletter with profiles of GPs and staff and seasonal suggestions on how to keep healthy; and
• ‘early bird’ appointment times to help people see a GP at a time that is convenient to them.

The practice was one of the first to offer extended hours appointments.