Your Patient Participation Group (PPG)

a group of people meeting, there is a lightbulb in the foreshot and the people in the image are blurred

As members of the Patient Participation Group (PPG), our goal is simple: to act as a bridge between the patients and the practice team. We share your feedback, suggest improvements, and help the staff understand what matters most to us as a community. 

 

FAQs - Understanding the PPG

What is a Patient Participation Group (PPG)?

A Patient Participation Group is a group of patients who work with the practice to improve services. It gives you a way to share feedback, raise ideas, and suggest changes. The group is led by volunteers who represent patient views and support practice activities.

What is the purpose of a PPG?

The PPG helps you understand how the practice works and what services are available. It keeps you informed about updates and explains what decisions the practice can influence. It gives patients a clear voice, so staff can understand patient experience and priorities. It also supports better communication between patients and the practice.

What are the benefits for patients?

You gain a clearer understanding of how the practice operates and who is involved in your care. You stay informed about changes, services, and developments. Your feedback helps shape how services are delivered. You also benefit from stronger communication with practice staff, which can improve your overall experience.

What are the benefits for the practice?

The practice can work with patients to plan and improve services. This helps ensure services meet real patient needs. Staff can gather direct feedback to support targets and service improvements. The PPG also creates a structured way to share ideas and build stronger links with the local community.

FAQs - Ways to Get Involved

  • Who can join the PPG? Any patient registered with the practice can join. The group aims to reflect the diversity of the patient population, so all ages and backgrounds are welcome.

Why should I join the virtual group?

The virtual group is flexible and easy to join. You can share your views by email without attending regular meetings. This suits you if you want to contribute at a time that works for you. Your feedback still shapes decisions and helps improve services.

Why should I join the Steering Committee?

The Steering Committee is for patients who want a more active role. You will attend bi-monthly meetings, help set priorities, and work directly with practice staff. This gives you a stronger influence on how services develop. It also gives you the opportunity to represent other patients and support wider community engagement.

FAQs - Joining and Commitment

How do I join the PPG? You can join by completing a short registration form online or at reception. The practice will confirm your details and explain the next steps.

How much time do I need to commit?

The time commitment depends on your level of involvement. Virtual members can contribute occasionally by email. Steering Committee members attend 6 meetings per year.

Do I need any experience or skills?

No experience is required. You need an interest in improving services and a willingness to share your views constructively.

Can I leave the PPG if I change my mind?

Yes. You can leave at any time. There is no obligation to continue.

FAQs - Feedback, Privacy, and Results

How is my feedback used?

Feedback is reviewed by the practice and discussed at PPG meetings. It informs service improvements, patient communications, and future planning. Where changes are not possible, the practice will explain why.

Will my personal information be kept confidential?

Yes. Your details are handled in line with data protection requirements. Feedback is shared in a way that protects your identity unless you agree otherwise.

How will I know what changes have been made?

The practice shares updates through the website and PPG communications. This keeps you informed about actions taken and outcomes achieved.

Ways to Get Involved

Why the PPG makes a difference 

Representing patient views

Working together to improve care

Shaping practice services

Sharing ideas for better health

Connecting practice and community

Bridging patients and practice

Why join?

Improve Patient Experience

Help make care better for the community. 

Influence Local Healthcare

Have your say on health services

Meetings

Our last PPG Steering Group meeting was held on the 29th September 2026 (our annual open meeting and AGM).   

Dates for future meetings are:

  • 24th November 2026
  • 26th January 2027
  • 23rd March 2027
  • 25th May 2027

Download and view a copy of our PPG Terms of Reference.

For meeting minutes from 2025 and earlier please email the PPG secretary at lymebayppg@gmail.com
Page last reviewed: 14 October 2026
Page created: 14 October 2026