The Partners, Doctors and Managers of the Thorndike Medical Centre are keen to consult and listen to patients as they seek ways to improve the services that it offers. One way they do this is by supporting the ‘Patients’ Participation Group’ (PPG).
What is the PPG and what does it do?
The Thorndike Patient Participation Group (PPG) is a group of up to 15 motivated patients who work as a team. We were founded in 2013.
We aim to improve every patients’ experience at the surgery and to help the surgery deliver innovative, high quality and caring healthcare services that reflect what patients want and need. In particular we seek to support the surgery in communicating effectively with its patients.
Some examples of the work we have undertaken recently include providing detailed feedback on the surgery’s website, making suggestions for clarification on certain procedures such as repeat prescriptions and sick notes and supporting the surgery to deliver medical diagnostic equipment to patients suspected of having covid. We are seeking to re-introduce a quarterly newsletter to keep patients up to date on important information.
We have a constructive relationship with the Partners and Managers at the Thorndike Medical Centre and work collaboratively with them.
How can I help?
We are looking for additional patients to join the PPG. You do not need any expertise or background. We only ask that you have a genuine desire to work as part of a team to help make improvements.
Before making a commitment to join the PPG you are welcome to have a chat with the Chairman and even attend a meeting as an observer.
If you wish to discuss joining the group please download the PPG ‘Expression of Interest’ form (see below) or ask the surgery reception for a copy. When you have completed it please give it to reception or e mail it to the PPG on the e mail below.
Where do we meet?
We meet monthly at the surgery, when circumstances allow. More recently, with the covid pandemic we have been meeting virtually. We focus on the tasks that are set out in the workplan and discuss the progress and actions that need to be taken between meetings. Senior staff attend to brief us on the latest developments and to listen to our views.
Contact the PPG
You can leave a message on the PPG e mail: patientgroup.thorndike2021@nhs.net.
Further information about the PPG:
The following links take you to additional information about the PPG:
- Terms of Reference https://www.thorndike.nhs.uk/files/2021/04/FinalTerms-of-Reference-AGREED-DEC-2019.docx Our Terms of Reference set out how we work.
- Annual Workplan and 2020 Annual report. https://www.thorndike.nhs.uk/files/2021/04/PPG-WORKPLAN-FINAL-Updated-Jan-2020.docx This is our 2020 workplan which guides our activity and a report on our activity in 2020.
- Expression of Interest Form If you’d like to get more involved please complete the ‘expression of interest’ form and return it to the surgery or e mail it to the PPG.
- Newsletters https://www.thorndike.nhs.uk/files/2021/04/Newsletter-March-2021-FINAL.docx See our most recent newsletters.
- PPG minutes (coming soon) See the minutes of our most recent meetings.
- Confidentiality Agreement. https://www.thorndike.nhs.uk/files/2021/04/Confidentiality-Agreement-11-2019.docx We never discuss any individual patient’s issues. However, every member of the PPG must sign the Thorndike Confidentiality Agreement. Depending upon the tasks you perform you may be asked to undertake DBS clearance as well.
