Members of the King Edward Road Surgery Patient Participation
Group will be presented with a prestigious award from the Royal
College of General Practitioners on Friday 17 November.
The Patient Participation Award recognises the contribution that
the KERS Patient Participation Group has made to the surgery and
its impact on enhancing patients’ experiences.
The group was formed in 1991 and offers a service to almost
10,500 patients. It has a management committee of seven and was one
of the first of its kind to support practice staff and doctors as
well as providing a forum for discussion and the dissemination of
ideas.
Douglas Joll, Chair of the Group said: “We have been very
fortunate to work with such a modern, forward thinking and amenable
practice. This award reflects the excellent relationship between
practice and Patient Participation Group. We have enjoyed
full support from partners and staff and they have been receptive
to patients’ suggestions and contributions. At no time has there
been interference in our plans or working.”
Getting patients involved is one of the Group’s key aims. As
well as producing the regular newsletter for patients, it has
produced a comprehensive leaflet for carers with details of support
and medical services. Quarterly open evenings at the surgery - led
by healthcare professionals - offer patients an opportunity to
learn more about a range of subjects including the dangers of high
blood pressure and practical first aid.
The KERS PPG plans to use the £3000 prize money, sponsored by
Doctor Magazine, to set up a Waist Management programme to raise
awareness of the dangers of obesity. A paper tape measure will be
sent out to every patient registered at the surgery with an
indication of a healthy waist measurement.
Patients who find that their waist exceeds the “health risk
line” can attend one of the Waist Management Days at the surgery,
which aims to promote healthy eating and drinking and regular
exercise.
Sandra Davey, of the RCGP Patient Partnership Group, said: "It
is initiatives like the KERS PPG's Waist Management programme that
can really help practices make a difference. A good PPG adds value
to the practice and, working together, helps to 'get it right' for
patients."
Charles Creswell, editor of Doctor Magazine, said: “It is
fabulous to see practices and patients working together and making
a real difference to people's lives. Congratulations to the King
Edward Road Surgery and its Patient Participation Group, who have
set a shining example for others to follow.”
Ends
For more information please contact Lucy Jeanes on 020 7210 344
3129 or email: press@rcgp.org.uk
Notes to editors
The Royal College of General Practitioners is the largest
membership organisation in the United Kingdom solely for GPs. It
aims to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general
medical practice and to act as the “voice” of GPs on issues
concerned with education; training; research; and clinical
standards. Founded in 1952, the RCGP has over 25,000 members who
are committed to improving patient care, developing their own
skills and promoting general practice as a discipline.
Promoting excellence in family medicine www.rcgp.org.uk