Patient Participation Group (PPG)
What is the Patient Participation Group?
​​Southend East PCN along with our 6 GP practices:
Dr Irlam & Partners - Central Surgery
North Shoebury Surgery
The Thorpe Bay Surgery and Shaftesbury Avenue Surgery Branch
Drs Kumar & Sinha, Shoebury Health Centre
Dr Palacin, Shoebury Health Centre
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The PPG is a group of people who are patients of the surgery and want to help it work as well as it can for patients, doctors and staff. The NHS requires every practice to have a PPG. The PPG aims to:
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Develop a partnership with patients
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Discover what our patients think about the services we provide. Establish their priorities.
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Provide a platform to test and change future ideas and plans
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Improve patient care, quality, experience and safety
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Promote patient empowerment
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It provides evidence-based feedback to the practice about the services the practice offers. It works with the surgery to improve practice services.
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Membership:
The membership is open to any patients registered at one of our 6 GP practices. As agreed with the PPG, the PCN will provide the necessary support. This support will enable the group to function effectively. We usually hold the meetings here at Norton Place 162 Ness Rd SS39DL on a Tuesday at 1.30pm. Attendance is a valued resource for PPG activity. Members freely give their time. There is no expectation for frequency of attendance or participation. Non-PPG members who wish to attend the PPG meeting as observers are welcome following accountability and governance.
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The PPG is accountable to the public. The public expects PPG members to behave with integrity and good governance. The PCN has statutory responsibilities on information governance. For example, confidentiality is one, the PCN will never disclose patient information to any patient or PPG member. The PCN has a duty of care to all patients. All approved PPG members sign up to these principles. This builds confidence in the PPG's running, probity, and governance.
Chairman role required:
A chairman within the PPG group plays a vital role, characterised by the following key attributes:
Leadership and Coordination:
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Leadership: The chairman provides leadership to the PPG, ensuring that it operates effectively and achieves its objectives.
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Coordination: They coordinate meetings, set agendas, and ensure that discussions remain focused and productive.
Facilitating Communication:
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Communication Bridge: The chairman acts as a bridge between the PPG members and the healthcare providers, ensuring that patient views and feedback are communicated effectively to the healthcare team.
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Feedback Loop: They help facilitate a feedback loop where patient concerns and suggestions are discussed and addressed by the healthcare providers.
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Organising Meetings:
- Scheduling Meetings: The chairman is responsible for scheduling regular meetings and ensuring that all members are informed and able to attend.
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Agenda Setting: They set the agenda for meetings, often in consultation with other PPG members and the healthcare providers.
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Encouraging Participation:
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Engaging Members: The chairman encourages participation from all PPG members, ensuring that diverse patient voices are heard.
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Inclusivity: They promote inclusivity, making sure that the group represents a broad spectrum of the patient population.
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Monitoring Progress:
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Action Points: The chairman tracks the progress of action points and ensures that the group follows through on decisions made during meetings.
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Reporting: They often report on the activities and outcomes of the PPG to the wider patient community and the healthcare providers.
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Advocacy:
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Patient Advocate: The chairman acts as an advocate for patient interests, raising concerns and suggesting improvements to the healthcare services.
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Liaison: They liaise with other patient groups, healthcare organizations, and sometimes even local government to promote patient-centered care.
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Support and Training:
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Support for Members: The chairman provides support to PPG members, helping them understand their roles and responsibilities.
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Training: They may also arrange for training sessions or workshops to enhance the skills and knowledge of PPG members.
Secretary role required:
The secretary holds an essential position within the PPG. Here is an overview of their key responsibilities and functions:
​Administrative Support:
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Documentation: The secretary is responsible for preparing, maintaining, and distributing documentation, including meeting agendas, minutes, and reports.
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Record Keeping: They keep accurate records of all PPG activities and ensure that these records are accessible to all members.
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Meeting Organisation:
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Scheduling: The secretary arranges and schedules PPG meetings, ensuring all members are informed of the date, time, and location.
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Preparation: They assist in preparing meeting agendas in collaboration with the chairman and ensure that all necessary materials are available for meetings.
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Communication:
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Internal Communication: The secretary acts as a point of contact for PPG members, facilitating communication and ensuring that information is circulated effectively within the group.
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External Communication: They may also handle correspondence with external parties, including healthcare providers, other patient groups, and community organisations.
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Minutes and Follow-Up:
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Taking Minutes: The secretary takes detailed minutes during PPG meetings, capturing key discussions, decisions, and action points.
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Dissemination: After meetings, they distribute the minutes to all members and follow up on action items to ensure progress is made.
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Support to the Chairman:
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Assistance: The secretary provides administrative support to the chairman, helping to ensure that the PPG operates smoothly and efficiently.
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Coordination: They assist in coordinating activities and events, and help manage the logistics of PPG initiatives.
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Member Engagement:
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Member Liaison: The secretary helps to engage and liaise with PPG members, ensuring that their views and feedback are incorporated into group activities.
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New Members: They may also manage the onboarding process for new PPG members, providing them with necessary information and support.
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Data Management:
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Database Management: The secretary may manage databases of member contact information and ensure that these are kept up to date.
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Confidentiality: They ensure that all personal data is handled in compliance with data protection regulations.
Roles for the PPG
If you are interested in applying for either role please email mseicb-s.sepcn.digitalteam@nhs.net
Please note: the following roles are voluntary, this is an unpaid role.
Southend East PCN Next PPG Meeting is Tuesday 21st January 2025 at 1.30pm
January 2024 Minutes - Click here to download
March 2024 Minutes - Click here to download
May 2024 Minutes - Click here to download
July 2024 Minutes - Click here to download
September 2024 Minutes - Click here to download
November 2024 Minutes - Click here to download
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