As a Primary Care Network we work proactively with our partners to use local insights (lived experiences) to inform our decision making. Whether you want to work directly with us or via one of our partners, there are many ways you can get involved, helping to shape the delivery of healthcare in Benfleet.
Patient Participation Group (PPG)
What is a Patient Participation Group (PPG)?
A Patient Participation Group (PPG) is a group that is open to all patients on the GP practice list including all communities, groups, genders, ages, ethnicities, disabilities, paid and unpaid carers and GP practice staff who meet to discuss practice issues and patient experience to help improve the service.
Our PCN PPG established in February 2022 to contribute to the broader PCN issues, health inequalities in our area and patient experience to help improve our overall service.
Who are the members of our PCN PPG?
The group is comprised of volunteer patients who are themselves members of the PPG at one of our seven member GP practices in addition to staff representation from the PCN. We have a nominated chair and vice chair for our PPG.
We endeavour to regularly invite colleagues from associated services and the Integrated Care System (ICS) to provide the group with health & care updates both locally and at a wider scale.
Purpose of a PPG?
Our PPG works together with the PCN to represent the patient’s voice in decision making and ensuring that all communities within the PCN are represented.
Being part of our PPG provides an opportunity:
- for patients and PCN staff to meet and discuss constructive suggestions for improving the PCN as a whole, and share concerns that could affect our population.
- to increase your knowledge and understanding of our PCN within Benfleet
- to raise broader issues happening within the member practices that the PCN can support with on a wider scale
- to be listened too and raise your knowledge on what you feel is most important for you and the people of Benfleet, including what you think we should strive to improve first
- to support health awareness
- to engage and work together with the local communities to ensure the PPG is truly reflective of Benfleet and helps the PCN to provide the best possible care for our population
When and where are the PCN PPG meetings held?
Our PCN PPG meetings are currently held on a Wednesday every four to six weeks. The meetings are held virtually over Microsoft Teams to provide flexibility for our members. We aim to meet face to face at our PCN Hub once a year.
Where can I access the PCN PPG minutes?
The PCN PPG minutes can be made available upon request to the PCN management team via benfleetpcn@nhs.net.
How do I join the PPG?
If you are interested in joining your practice PPG, please contact your practice directly on the above email contacts. For more information about the PCN PPG, you can contact us by email at benfleetpcn@nhs.net
Please be advised that every PCN has their own PCN PPG and that we only accept residents registered with one of our GP practices.
Our community involvement
See what work we have already been involved in as a PCN PPG here: Community Fayre’s
Useful links
The following links may be of interest for ideas, tools or resources:
- National Association for Patient Participation (NAPP)
- Public Health England – Campaign Resource Centre – you can request resource packs if you want to support a Public Health England campaign
- National Institute Health Research – You can find out how your local PPG can get involved in local health research
- NHS England Involvement Hub – a source of information for people who want to get involved in our work or enable others to participate.
View our PPG newsletters.
Friends and Family Test
The NHS Friends and Family Test (FFT) was created to help service providers and commissioners understand whether patients are happy with the service provided, or where improvements are needed.
- To complete a NHS Friends and Family Test about your registered practice, go to your practice website’s FFT section
- Find out how to take part in a NHS Friends and Family Test for the PCN
Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System (MSE ICS)
Mid and south Essex Integrated Care System are a partnership of primary care, hospital, social care, mental health, community health and voluntary services. You can get involved in developing and improving health services across mid and south Essex via the Virtual Views online community.
How to join the virtual views panel to help improve your local health and care services
We all have a part to play in leading a healthier lifestyle and keeping well for longer. Supporting our communities to come together is at the heart of why organisations responsible for providing health and care services have teamed up as Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System. To help us make the right choices in how we plan for the future, we are asking residents to join our virtual views citizens’ panel and have a say.
What is the virtual views panel?
The virtual views panel will collect the views of a wide range of residents across our area through regular surveys. Our Integrated Care System covers mid and south Essex which includes, Basildon, Braintree, Brentwood, Castle Point, Chelmsford, Maldon, Rayleigh, Rochford, Southend and Thurrock.
The feedback we get from local people will help us continually improve and develop how we work together to provide health and care services to the different communities we serve.
To find out more, visit the Virtual Views website here
What’s in it for me?
You will have the opportunity to have your views heard by local health and care decision-makers. You will also find out about new plans and ideas from the Integrated Care System. This includes local authorities, hospitals, charities, GPs and other health care providers. The virtual views panel aims to regularly gauge residents’ views on a range of health and care related topics. The information we gather will help shape the choices we make in how we deliver care and support for the 1.2 million people living in our area.
To learn more about the ways you can get involved with shaping local health and care, visit the mid and south Essex ICS website here.
Healthwatch Essex
Healthwatch Essex are an independent charity set up under the Health & Social Care Act 2012 and they use your voice to improve health and care in Essex.
They undertake high-quality research and engagement to uncover your experience of services and use it to shape health and care.
For more information please visit, www.healthwatchessex.org.uk.