Acorn Patient Participation Group (PPG) have formed a Committee (click here for details of the Committee Members).  The PPG, made up of around 15-20 patients, plan a range of events, including fundraising, in support of the Practice and to help the surgery to grow and develop in the ways which patients want.  It is a way of the patients 'having a voice' and this core Committee hope to represent the needs of the wider patient population. 

They are keen for new members to join and if you want any further information, please initially contact Trish Hawitt Palmer, the Practice Manager.

For future meeting dates for 2011, click here.

The acorn surgery's Patient Participation Group was first formed in April 2008 and is becoming very well established.  All of the Practice staff are in some way involved in supporting the Group which meets on a monthly basis on a weekday evening. 

We are always looking to take new members to support the Committee and to offer a broader representation of our patients' views and needs.  Click here to view a list of Committee members.

We're looking for new members to best represent our whole Practice population, particularly young parents, young people, employed and non-employed patients, those with disabilities and patients whose first language isn't English. 

If you would like to join the Group or work to support the PPG in any way please contact:-

Trish Hawitt Palmer, Practice Manager
Telephone 01480 483100
Email trish.hawitt@nhs.net

What is patient participation?

Patient participation refers to patients taking an active interest in their health care and the services provided.  In many cases patient groups are linked to GP surgeries. When patients act jointly, usually with support of their GPs and practice staff, they constitute a Patient Participation Group. The agenda of any particular group will depend on the local needs, the interests and energies of the members.  Most groups are engaged in activities which benefit their patients, enhance the work of the Practice and act as a useful sounding board for change within the Practice.  Providing a platform for the Practice to get messages across regarding lifestyle and health promotion is a good way to reach the wider Practice population and it is hoped that the Group is representative of the registered patients.

It is important that once a Group is established it undertakes, management, research, organisation, planning, executing and evaluating activities which it has planned in conjunction with and support of the Practice as a whole.  The Practice receives considerable benefits, particularly that they are engaging their patients in worthwhile activities.

For more information about the NHS Constitution click the links below:

NHS Constitution - NHS Constitution Leaflet