Patient Participation Group- Report
Develop a group

Patients were asked personally by Receptionists and GPs as to whether or not they would like to be part of the patient participation group.
The patient participation group was set up with seven members from a cross section of patients, with different age ranges and from different employment backgrounds.

The group meets on a bi-monthly basis.

Agree areas of priority with PPG for planned practice changes

The first meeting was held 6.1.2012.
Areas that were identified to be discussed as priority were the GP triage system and the telephone system.
We created and agreed as a group a patient survey, to look at priority areas regarding access to the surgery, this was due to our National GP Survey results.

Collate patient views through the use of a survey

We had survey equipment in our practice from 1st February to 17th February 2012.
Members of the group volunteered to assist with this survey by using the portable equipment and speaking to patients.
160 patients participated with the survey.
NHS Rotherham collated data and produced the survey results.
The survey results can be found on the practice website.
www.highstsurgery.co.uk

Provide PPG with the opportunity to discuss the survey finding and reach an agreement with the PPG on changes to services

Second meeting was held 2.3.2012
The survey results were discussed and feedback was received from the group.
The findings were encouraging showing that patients could book appointments either the same day or within 48 hours, and they could pre-book appointments in advance.
It also showed that some patients were unaware that they could speak to a GP or Nurse every morning on the telephone.
The data revealed that 63% of the practice population would like a Dr. Triage system.  

Agree an action plan with the PPG and seek PPG agreement to implementing changes.

An action plan has been agreed with the PPG regarding a new telephone system, the surgery is in discussions with NHS Rotherham at present regarding this.
The Practice is intending to implement the Dr. Triage system in October 2012 on the basis of the results.
Information regarding speaking to GPs to be displayed more noticeable so all patients are aware, Jayex board and Notice board.

Publicise Actions taken and subsequent achievements

Information is available on the practice website www.highstsurgery.co.uk. and the Practice notice board.
A Dr. Triage System is to be implemented from October at Rawmarsh.
A New telephone system is to be installed.