The patient participation group was set up to be a critical friend to the practice. Over the past three years it has undertaken two practice surveys, a survey of the local young farmers, a survey on the dispensary and two independent doctor reports – using a national agreed format – to assess where the practice could improve. For example in 2003 it was noted on the survey that some patients had problems contacting the surgery by phone. We therefore installed a new phone system to deal with this particular problem. This is an excellent example of how patient participation can change things for the better.
The intention is to enable the group to be financially independent of the practice.
Statement of Intent
“during the last six months we have discussed with the practice the idea of adopting a position of “critical friend”. At our last meeting we decided to proceed along this route.
We will work to achieve a status in the eyes of the patients as relatively independent of the Brown Clee Medical Practice, whilst working closely with the practice team to improve further primary health care.
In essence we will continue in the pattern which has been established in the past twelve months of operation. We will however be actively seeking to increase our presence and influence based upon the experiences gained in previous years of operating as a patient group”
John Hugill
Chair April 2006