What is a Patient Participation Group?
The National Association for Patient Participation (NAPP) is a unique umbrella organisation for patient-led groups within general practices. Set up in 1978 as an independent charity, it speaks for patients in general without being limited to any specific disease or condition. NAPP describes a PPG as a group of people who:
' work with their practice to provide practical support, to help patients to take more responsibility for their own health and to provide strategic input and advice. They are based on cooperation between the practice staff and patients. They help to improve communication '.
What is the purpose of a Patient Particiaption Group?
- To give practice staff and patients the opportunity to discuss topics of mutual interest in their Practice
- To provide a means for patients to make positive suggestions about the practice and specific medical conditions as an 'expert' or experienced patient
- To encourage health education activities within the practice
- To develop self-help projects to meet the needs of fellow patients, such as befriending, help with transport and bereavement support
- To act as a representative group that can be called upon to influence the local provision of health and social care
- To involve further patients from the wider population
More inforamtion on the National Association of Patient Participation is available at:
www.napp.org.uk
We are looking to recruit new members to the exisiting team. If you are interested in joining our Patient Participation Group, please contact Diane Mitchell, Practice Manager, on 01908 396281 for further details.