All GP practices in the UK are required to have a Patient Participation Group (PPG). These provide a collective independent voice of patients to support practices in meeting the needs of their patients.
The Groombridge and Hartfield PPG is very active and enjoys an excellent relationship with Groombridge and Hartfield Medical Group. In common with other PPGs it is a member of the National Association for Patient Participation (NAPP). NAPP provides a national forum for patients, primary care professionals and policy makers and aims to empower patients in influencing primary care. We also engage with other local PPGs and the NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board.
Our PPG’s aims are:
- to gather patient members’ views and discuss them with the GPs, the Practice Manager and other members of the GHMG team
- to maintain a dialogue with the Practice in order to help support an optimum quality of service to patient members
- to give patient members relevant information to help them maximise their use of the services provided by the GHMG and the NHS.
In addition we publish information articles in our local parish magazines and we have engaged in occasional fundraising for specific items of equipment required by Groombridge and Hartfield Medical Group.
How do you become a member of the PPG?
It’s easy. All patients are automatically members. There is no membership fee or a formal process of joining. Members are invited to express their views by contacting the committee by email on [email protected] or attending the Annual General Meeting.
The PPG’s Committee is elected at the Annual General Meeting each Spring. The current committee is:
Groombridge: Tony Howell (Chair) Chris Slater (Secretary) Lin Eyre, Robert Crompton and Beverley Hollands
Withyham – Fenella Murray Willis
Hartfield – Geraldine Ormonde (Treasurer) Liz Shaw, Hilary Rowberry and Marion Gatland
Please note the PPG is not a channel for concerns regarding your or your family’s individual treatment or service. These should be addressed directly to the Practice.
