A GP practice in Great Yarmouth has benefitted from funding to help empower patients and improve their services.

The Newtown and Caister Medical Practice successfully bid for a share of funds – from HealthEast, the NHS commissioning organisation in Great Yarmouth and Waveney – to take practical steps to improve their health facilities at their main surgery on Lawn Avenue.

The practice received just over £4,600 and now has two sets of automatic doors.

Jonathan Knights, practice manager at Newtown and Caister Medical Practice, said “The Patient Participation Group put forward the suggested changes after speaking to patients and observing the surgery waiting area.”

Brian Robinson who has been chair of the Newtown and Caister Medical Practice Patient Participation Group for about 12 months said: “The PPG holds regular information days within the surgery and after observing patients with pushchairs and wheelchair users struggling to get into the surgery and asking patients’ opinions about what changes they would like to see, we recommended to the practice manager that automated doors be fitted so that patients could gain access into the surgery without difficulty. 

“Feedback from the patients so far has been very positive and I have received comments about how much easier it is to get into the practice.”

The funding from HealthEast aimed to give patient participation groups (PPGs) more influence over the care which is provided locally.

Brian took up the role of Chair a year after going along to his first meeting. Brian, who has a brain tumour, heart problems and other health issues has had lots of experience of treatment within the NHS and wanted to be involved in making decisions about changes to the practice for patients.

Brian an ex-senior police officer and a patient with the practice for 25 years said: “I would recommend joining a PPG to anyone who wants to have a say in the way their practice is run. I feel that being active in the group and being able to help the patients registered here is really worthwhile.”

Jonathan said: “We are always looking for new members to join our PPG, particularly patients under the age of 40. We even have a virtual group for those who have busy lives but still want to be involved. Any patients wishing to join the group should contact me on 0844 844 0160.”

Dr John Stammers, Chairman of HealthEast, said: “I am really pleased that the PPG used the funding available to make these improvements in their surgery. Our PPGs play a key role in feeding back patients’ views and experiences in accessing healthcare and in turn show is where we are performing well and the areas where we could do better.”

If you’re interested in joining your local PPG get in contact with the practice manager at your surgery.