New Year, New Voice: Why Not Join Your GP’s Patient Participation Group?

What Is a Patient Participation Group (PPG)?
A Patient Participation Group is a group of patients who work with their GP practice, not for it. The group gives patients a chance to share their views, ideas, and experiences to help improve how the practice works.
PPGs are made up of volunteer patients from different ages and backgrounds. Some groups meet in person, some online, and others ask for feedback by email or surveys.

Is Having a PPG a Requirement?
Yes. GP practices in England are contractually required to have a Patient Participation Group as part of their NHS contract.
This means GP practices must:
•    Have an active PPG
•    Make sure the group reflects their patient population as much as possible
•    Seek patient feedback at least once a year
•    Show how patient feedback has helped shape or improve services
In short, PPGs are not optional — they are an important part of how GP practices listen to patients.

Why Is It Important for Patients to Get Involved?
GP practices make many decisions about how services are delivered — from appointment systems to communication, opening times, and access to support. Patients are the people who use these services every day, so their voices matter.
By getting involved, patients can:
•    Share what works well and what doesn’t
•    Help improve access to appointments
•    Influence how information is shared
•    Raise issues that affect the local community
•    Help the practice understand different patient needs
Even small changes can make a big difference to people’s experience of care.

You Don’t Need Any Special Skills
You don’t need medical knowledge or lots of spare time to join a PPG. What matters is your experience as a patient.
You can:
•    Attend occasional meetings
•    Respond to surveys
•    Share ideas or concerns
•    Take part as much or as little as you are able
Every voice counts.

A Simple New Year’s Resolution That Makes a Difference
Joining your GP’s Patient Participation Group is a simple way to:
•    Have your say
•    Support your local practice
•    Help improve services for yourself, your family, and your community
This New Year, instead of a resolution that’s hard to keep, why not choose one that helps others too?

👉 Ask your GP practice how to join their Patient Participation Group today.
Your experience matters. Your voice matters. And together, patients and practices can make care better for everyone.