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Patient Participation Group
Our Patient Participation Group (PPG) meets to provide a forum for discussion about the practice.
The Aims of the Patient Participation Group
- To offer opinions in a constructive manner and to put forward ideas on behalf of other patients.
- To improve the provision of health care.
- To improve communication between surgery, patients and the wider community about matters concerning the surgery and health in general.
- To provide assistance in development of new services.
- To encourage a spirit of self help and support amongst patients to improve their health and social care.
If you would like to join the Patient Participation Group please complete our online form
Latest meeting minutes
If you require copies of previous minutes please contact us.
Meeting: 23 September 2026
Attendees: Shaun, Dr Riaz, Sasha, JB, MH, DS, JP, MM, LH, GB, SH, AS, JS
Introductions and welcome
The meeting began with introductions and a welcome to new PPG members.
An overview was provided of the purpose of the PPG and how patient participation helps the practice identify areas for improvement and supports the development of services for patients.
Practice improvements and development
The previously discussed practice development plans. Funding has been approved, although progress has been delayed pending signatures.
Plans to create five additional consultation rooms within the current waiting-room area have been approved by NHS England. The waiting area will be relocated to the foyer to create a more open-plan space.
Staffing
There were no new updates regarding staffing arrangements.
Music and environment in waiting room
Ongoing requests for music in reception were discussed, including a suggestion of calming/white noise. The practice will discuss this.
The waiting room information screen is now operational. Members were invited to suggest appropriate information for display.
Complaints and learning from patient feedback
The group discussed several anonymised complaints, including issues relating to communication, medication and referrals.
The importance of identifying and recording patients' communication needs was highlighted following a complaint involving a patient with hearing difficulties.
A member suggested anonymising complaints and demonstrating actions taken in response to patient feedback and add these to the website.
Reception staff identification
The previous discussion regarding reception staff providing their names was revisited. Views amongst patients remain mixed.
Practice to raise this again with the reception team.
Appointment availability
The group discussed demand for appointments at 8am. Patients are reminded that appointments are also available later in the morning, including from 9am and 10am.
Blood test results
An issue was raised regarding the clinical system not flagging a missing blood test result in previous meetings. Dr Riaz has since contacted EMIS but has not yet received a response.
It was stated again that this is an NHS-wide system limitation and cannot be amended by an individual practice.
Did Not Attend (DNA) appointments
The group discussed whether patients can be charged for missed appointments. It was confirmed that charges cannot currently be applied.
Warning letters may be issued for repeated non-attendance, with clinicians considering whether individual circumstances, including mental health, may be contributing.