All corners of the community are needed to represent patients in South Norfolk, according to existing members of health groups.

Patient participation group members have made the call to encourage a wider audience to join and voice their concerns or suggestions around NHS healthcare.

Most GP practices have patient participation groups (PPGs) or patient reference groups (PRGs), some with face-to-face groups, some with virtual groups and others with both.

The groups are a way for members of the public to directly feedback about healthcare and make suggestions about their own GP surgery as well as raise issues on NHS care in the South Norfolk area.

John Blagden, from Roydon near Diss, said: “Most of our group would fall into retirement age. We need some young blood as our needs are somewhat different from all our patients.”

Patients interested in joining their PPG or PRG should speak to the receptionist or practice manager at their surgery.

The 81-year-old who is Chair of Diss Parish Fields GP practice, added: “Younger people think they are fit and it’s not much to do with them. It would be great if various age groups were represented.”

There are 24 GP surgeries in the South Norfolk area. The surgeries are all member practices of NHS South Norfolk Commissioning Group (SN CCG).

Oliver Cruickshank, Engagement Manager at SN CCG, is also keen to recruit more members to the patient groups.

He said: “We know that once the subject is opened up about their GP surgery or healthcare as a whole, most people – young to old – have strong views about the subject. Even if that is car parking at their practice, services or clinics run there.

“Patients also want to feedback about the ongoing development of services and changes in health. Being a member of a PPG enables them to do that and we’re keen to hear from every corner of the community.

“We know many GP surgeries are developing and have already got virtual groups, and these are proving a great way for people to be able to get involved without having to commit to regular meetings.”

Emma Edwards is practice manager at Mattishall and Lenwade Surgeries. She coordinates their virtual group.

She said: “The group has been virtual since it began in October 2011. There are around 20 members whose ideas shape the content of the annual patient survey and make comments on the results and proposed changes to services via email.

“Most patients are happy with their level of input using email and it has also saved on the administration of a face-to-face group.”

To join your PPG contact your surgery or for more information about patient participation groups or South Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group go to www.southnorfolkccg.nhs.uk

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