What Is the Patient Participation Group?
The Patient Participation Group, or PPG, is an essential part of every GP surgery as required by the NHS. Its main purpose is to provide a channel for open communication and constructive feedback between patients and the surgery staff. By doing so, the PPG ensures that the views of the local patient community are heard and acted upon, contributing to continual improvement in healthcare services.
At Ivy Court Surgery, the PPG is a vibrant and approachable group made up of both patients and staff. The group meets regularly throughout the year to discuss a wide range of topics, from patient feedback to the practicalities of managing a busy GP practice. This collaborative environment allows the PPG to gain insights into the daily challenges faced by the surgery and to bring forward the needs and suggestions of the patient population.
The feedback and comments collected from patients play a significant role in shaping the events and activities organised by the PPG. By understanding the real experiences of those who use the surgery, the group can plan initiatives that address genuine needs and concerns. These activities help reinforce the connection between patients and the surgery, ensuring that everyone feels involved and valued.
Whether you are a patient or a member of staff, the PPG is here to listen, support, and help drive meaningful improvements within the practice.
If you have any questions or may want to consider joining the PPG then please do get in touch via our Contact Form.
PPG Groups
Ivy Court Gardening Group @ EC30
Ivy Court Surgery and the Patient Participation Group (PPG) are passionate about promoting patient well-being and encouraging active participation in our community.
In June 2024, we collaborated with EC30 to establish a gardening group to bring together individuals who enjoy being outdoors, meeting new people, and gardening. Our aim is simple: to make the areas around EC30 and Ivy Court Surgery more attractive and enjoyable for everyone, whilst having fun in the process.
The group now boasts around eight enthusiastic volunteers, thanks to the support and encouragement of the Tenterden Horticultural Society. Together, we work to improve our local environment, create vibrant spaces, and foster a spirit of friendship and collaboration.
So far we have made significant improvements to the grounds around EC30 and Ivy Court Surgery. The transformation has been remarkable, making our surroundings greener, more colourful, and inviting for all. We have achieved this in a variety of ways including installations of raised beds for both flowers and vegetables. Any fresh produce grown by our volunteers is available to buy by donation, from EC30.
We have lots of ideas for tackling the other areas in front of the surgery but we need more volunteers to join our group. We meet every Wednesday from 1000 – 1200 at EC30. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a complete beginner, everyone is welcome!
If you are interested in joining us or simply wish to learn more about the Ivy Court Gardening Group, we invite you to come along and join us for coffee and cake at 1100 any Wednesday that suits you.
Patient Information Sessions
The Patient Participation Group (PPG) at Ivy Court Surgery has been actively seeking new ways to provide timely, relevant information directly to our patients. Recognising the value of face-to-face engagement, we have initiated a series of informal speaker sessions. These events are designed to facilitate open dialogue, allowing attendees to ask questions and receive expert answers in a supportive and safe environment.
The first session in our series focused on the subject of menopause. This was presented by our Chair who wanted to bust some of the Menopause myths to help ensure that you had relevant and current information to enable an informed discussion with your GP. During the session one of our GPs was present to answer the more clinical questions. Feedback from attendees indicated that the session was informative, reassuring, and opened up valuable conversations about a topic that is often misunderstood or overlooked.
The second session was arranged following the news that Sir Chris Hoy had been diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer. Caught and treated early on the prognosis for prostate cancer patients is very good. Our session was led by Mr Roy Isworth FRCS a Consultant Urological Surgeon.
These sessions have been warmly welcomed by the Surgery management team who have supported the PPG in delivering sessions for the Patients.
We have exciting plans for future sessions, so do look out for them on the screens in Reception or via the PPG page of the Ivy Court Surgery website.
Current Events & Talks
