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Patient Participation Group
A Patient Participation Group (PPG) is a group of patients, carers and GP practice staff who meet to discuss practice issues and patient experience to help improve the service.
Since April 2015, it has been a contractual requirement of NHS England for all GP practices to have a PPG and to make reasonable efforts for this to be representative of the practice population.
Next Planned Meeting
- Date: 9th April 2026
- Time: 2:30pm
- Duration: 1 hour
- Format: face to face at well street surgery
Patient Participation Group Notice
Thank you to all those who expressed an interest in joining our Patient Participation Group (PPG). We had an overwhelming response to the text message that was sent - it is great to see how many patients wish to get involved. Over 200 patients expressed interest in joining the PPG.
We held the meeting virtually via Zoom at the request of existing group members in view of the timing of the meeting – to avoid patients having to walk to the surgery in the dark. The intention is to offer a mix of face-to-face and virtual (non-face-to-face) meetings in future.
We had some connectivity issues which meant that not all the initial attendees were able to stay on until the end of the meeting – with our next meeting planned to be face to face we hope to avoid this in future. We would like to find a way to involve as many patients as possible.
How to Join
To become a member of the Patient Participation Group, please complete our online form.
Signup to becoming a PPG Member
Ask the PPG a question
This form should only be used to ask a question, share your thoughts or send a suggestion to the Patient Participation Group (PPG). This form is for Non-Medical use only.
Patient Participation Group Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a Patient Participation Group (PPG)?
A Patient Participation Group (PPG) is a group made up of GP Practice patients aged 16 years and over, carers of registered patients and members of the GP Practice staff.
The aim of this group is to influence the way services are delivered by the Practice. If patients’ group holds meetings at the practice, it is also called the face-to-face PPG.
What is a Virtual Patient Participation Group (PPG)?
Some GP Practices have a Virtual Patient Participation Group. A Virtual PPG is online based group. It holds their meetings online using video conference platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet or similar. GP practice may use both types: face-to-face and virtual meetings, to ensure that all patients have the opportunity to contribute to improvements to practice services.
What do PPGs do?
- Review patients’ surveys such as the Family and Friends Test.
- Listen to patients’ stories and views.
- Explore ideas and suggestions on how to improve patients’ experiences in the GP Practice.
- Discuss with GP Practice staff and agree on an action plan for service improvements.
- Monitor the implementation of the service improvement action plan.
- Run small projects around patients’ education, health promotion, and improvements to GP Practice environment.
What PPGs do not do?
A PPG meeting is not a forum to raise individual complaints. A PPG meeting is not a forum to seek medical advice.
What happens at a PPG meeting?
A PPG meeting is attended by the Practice GP, Practice Manager, and practice patients and carers. The meeting is managed by the Patient Chair or Practice Manager. The meeting follows an agenda. The meetings usually last around 1 and half hours.
Latest PPG Meeting Minutes
- Date: 26th March 2026 at 11:30am
- Location: The Well Street Surgery and Online via Zoom
- Chair and Minute Taker: I-RAI (PPG Chair) and KR (WSS Reception Coordinator)
- Attendees: I-RAI, SS (WSS Practice Manager), KR (WSS Reception Coordinator), BO
- Apologies: KM (Together Better), KW, CO, KS, MN
Review progress since the previous meeting, regroup priorities, and plan actions to increase patient engagement and participation
The group discussed strategies to encourage more patients to become actively involved in the PPG. A key focus is promoting and collaborating with getting “healthier together Hackney” to engagement between patients and the practice
Patient Recruitment
KM will be involved in supporting recruitment efforts. KM will aim to identify and encourage several patients to volunteer and attend future PPG meetings. The intention is also for patients to feel confident contributing and speaking during meetings.
Follow-Up Actions
SS will speak with KM to obtain an update regarding patient recruitment. A follow-up discussion is expected by Thursday (9/4/26) to review progress and confirm participation.
CCTV update
SS confirmed that the CCTV system previously discussed has been approved. Installation is expected to take place next month (April 2026), subject to final arrangements.
Recall System for Patients - Abtrace
Implementation of a patient recall system due to activated April 2026, this will
- Improve the accuracy and consistency of patient recall scheduling.
- Reduce the number of overdue or missed annual reviews.
- Enhance patient engagement by providing timely, automated reminders.
- Support clinicians by reducing administrative workload associated with manual recall tracking.
- Strengthen compliance with clinical guidelines and QOF-related monitoring.
Air Conditioning Proposal
I-RAI has raised concerns regarding high temperatures in the building during summer months. It was suggested that the practice investigate installing air conditioning. There is a preference to progress this work within the current year if feasible.
Agreed Actions
- SS to contact KM for an update on patient volunteers and next meeting date and time.
- KM to approach her healthier together Hackney group and encourage involvement.
- Practice team to continue promoting PPG engagement and community health participation.
- Practice to progress CCTV installation planned for April.
- Practice to continue reviewing and developing a recall system to support QOF and long-term condition monitoring.
- Practice to investigate options for installing air conditioning within the building this year.
- Confirm next meeting date with KM and communicate updates to the group via WhatsApp and practice websites.