PIP Conference 
29th January, Lagan Valley Island
The NI Council Patients in Practice Group held
its first patient focussed conference on Thursday 29th
January 2009. The event was held in Lisburn Island Centre, and was
attended by 65 delegates made up of GPs, Practice Managers and
staff from right across Northern Ireland.
The main focus of the event was to try and
eliminate the fears and stigma attached to patient focussed groups,
and attempt to promote the positive impact which pro- active groups
can make to general practice.
This was achieved by constructing a programme
consisting of speakers and focused group forums, which allowed for
the discussion of key issues and problems.
A very powerful and energetic speech was
delivered by our guest speaker, Ms Sue Kinsey 
from
Scotland, providing all delegates with an interesting and thought
provoking vision of the abilities of patient groups and the
significant impact which they can have on shaping the future of
Primary Care.
This message was backed by our two local
speakers, Dr Jeni McAughey from Grove Well Being Centre, and her
Practice Manager Mrs Nicola Wilkinson. Both speakers give a
professional insight into the recruitment and management of a
patient focussed groups.
The event ended with a group discussion
centred on the benefits, the problems and the future of patient
groups within general practice.
The event proved a massive success and has
certainly provided a much needed boost to all those who may have
considered setting up a patient group within their practice.