Why bother with a patient group?
Our aims are
Firstly, to support the practice to deliver
the best service it possibly can
We work
closely with the practice . We talk to them if we have any ideas about how we
think things might be improved. We also report back if patients have concerns over
any aspect of the running of the practice. We also say "Thanks” when things are
going well!
A Doctors’
representative and the practice manager usually attend our meetings so we can
have good discussions. If the practice is thinking of implementing changes they
will where possible discuss them with us first. They may ask us to "trial” some
services before they go live.
Secondly, we are also working to promote good
health both for patients in the practice and the wider community.
In the
practice, we ask patients what they would like to know more about. Then we try
to organise information talks or sessions where we can all learn how to look
after ourselves better.
The most
recent session was a training session
entitled "Dementia awareness”.
This was delivered by Cathy Lewis Dobson who is a member of the PPG and leader
of the Dementia awareness team.Previous topics have included ,"Understand your
Blood test results Asthma
in Children, CPR
(staying alive Vinny Jones style), heart arrhythmia, health improvement, what is self-care & many
more. We are very keen for anyone to suggest a topic they think is of
interest.
In the wider
community, we are working with other patient groups in the area towards common
goals or areas of concern.
We are also
keen to make sure that the patient voice is heard by the decision makers. We
ensure that we provide feedback on local services & consult with the
Clinical Commissioning Group. These are the people who spend our money to
provide healthcare services.
We also want
to have a say as far as possible in decisions that affect us nationally so we
contribute to the debate whenever we can.
How do we organise what we do?
We have a
main "strategy” group that meets usually once a month. We have divided
ourselves into teams so that work can go on anytime & suits people who
can’t get to meetings or who don’t like meetings. These teams report back to
the main group.
Teams at the
moment are:
FOOD BANK………To collect contributions of food. There is a box in reception,
please give if you can! We also want to make sure that any of our families who are
struggling and are eligible get help. Leaders, Dorothy Burgoine &
Eric Bynon
WORKSHOPS……….We can provide help for you to access your records and understand them too (alongside what the clinicians in the practice do). Afterall we are patients too and have learned a few tricks along the way that we can share with you. Get in touch on htmcppg@gmail.com (but please do not send any personal medical information as we are not qualified to advise on that).
LIAISON & COMMUNICATION………. To work with other patient
groups in the area on local or national concerns. To make sure that patients
are listened to when our money is being spent by the CCG & other bodies. Leader
Barbara Dresner
SELF CARE WEEK…….. We want patients to
remember that they make lots of choices every day that impact on their health.
National Self Care Week is in November and we have a stall in the Clarendon
Centre giving out information (not advice!) about ways we can help ourselves to
a healthier life. There will also be nursing students from Manchester
Metropolitan University in Morrisons all Self Care week promoting some of the
ways to make good choices. Leader Ingrid Brindle
DEMENTIA AWARENESS…………To raise awareness of
dementia issues and provide training to increase understanding. Leader Cathy
Dobson
IT TEAM……….to help with all aspects of
technology wherever we need it, monitoring the PPG emails & distributing
information. Leader
Dominic Sexton
HEALTH PLEDGE…..is doing well and spreading fast. The idea is for us all to look at the health choices we make every day. Then choose one thing we can improve and pledge to stick to the change. It's as easy as that!Visit the website and pledge www.healthpledge.co.uk or fill in a slip in the waiting room.
Some of the pledges so far include
To sit in the peace
garden
To use the stairs
instead of the lift
To walk a mile 3
times a week
To join a choir
To lose weight
To stop smoking
To declutter
What will you pledge?
We are
hoping to get more teams going in the future…………Phew!
Do you have
something you are keen to promote? Why not come along to a meeting or form a
team yourself
We are a
very friendly, informal bunch & will give you all the support we can.
If you have
any ideas for us, things you would like to raise or would like to support
anything we are doing then please let us know……………
The patient
Participation group is open to every patient registered with the practice
If you would
like us to send you information about what we are doing then please send us
your email address
Our email
address is htmcppg@gmail.com
There is a
noticeboard above for current information
Warm
Regards,
Ingrid
Brindle (Chair of the PPG),
Dominic Sexton (Vice Chair)
Sue O'Connor (Secretary)
Click here to find out more about PPGs.
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