Patients to virtually shape surgery of the future

The Surgery at Malmesbury Primary Care Centre is looking for patients to help both the Practice and their Patient Participation Group (PPG) better understand the needs and expectations of their patients via a new 'Virtual Patient Reference Group'.

The Practice list size has risen to just over 14,700 patients, and they would like to know what patients think they do well and what could be improved.

Rather than trying to entice patients to meetings they are developing an EMAIL FORUM or a “Virtual Patient Reference Group” The concept has worked well in Pilot areas in the North of England.

They key point to the virtual  group is to make it as large and representative  as possible – so the Surgery would love to hear from all ages and backgrounds – young mums, service dependants, commuters and the retired alike.

The main role of the group is to identify areas to look at, and give feedback through a survey. The group will be able to shape the way the Surgery provides healthcare to the Community and should only take less than 1 hour a year. This could range from setting up Special Clinics, different height chairs in the waiting room to arranging extras buses visiting the centre.

The easiest and preferred method to join the group and also find out more about it is to use the web site:  www.malmesburypcc.nhs.net and click on the “Patient Reference Group Area” tab on the left side of the screen (towards the bottom).

Leaflets are available for more information, and they also explain how patients without email facilities can also get involved.