Friends of Capelfield Surgery
October 2024
CAPELFIELD GPs HEAR FEEDBACK FROM PATIENTS
Friends of Capelfield Surgery is a charity which for 30 years has been a link between patients and the practice, and at its well-attended annual general meeting in March, Capelfield patients listened to a report from their GPs that outlined the challenges faced by the surgery. Patients then asked questions and gave doctors feedback on their experiences. After this, the Friends trustees saw a need for such patient participation to be offered more regularly.
It is therefore holding a Patient Participation Group (PPG) Open Forum on Wednesday November 20 at 7.30pm at Capelfield Surgery, to which all are invited. There will be a Practice report and attendees’ feedback, questions and suggestions will be welcome. The plan is to hold regular group meetings with patient involvement in future.
It is compulsory for GP practices to have Patient Participation Groups, with the GP contract stating:
- “The purpose of the PPG is to ensure that patients and carers are involved in decisions about the range, shape and quality of services provided by their GP.”
A PPG consists of volunteers—patients, carers and GP practice staff—who meet regularly to discuss and support the running of their practice. They review the services offered, patient experience and how improvements can be made.
Over the years the Friends have provided Capelfield with valuable equipment not available from the NHS and contributed to building projects to enhance the running of the practice, funded by patient donations and events such as quiz evenings. To date £170,000 has been raised. The Friends have also produced 77 editions of Capelfield News and organised presentations on crucial medical topics to inform patients further.
The Friends of Capelfield Surgery committee urgently needs more trustees and asks everyone to consider joining. For information contact the secretary linda@wellsandcompany.co.uk.
