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Patient Participation Group
What is a patient participation group?
"Patient participation can benefit both patients and practices. Having a patient participation group (PPG) creates a connection between the practice and its patients; allowing open, constructive discussion and analysis of service provision, and offering an alternative perspective on many of the topics relevant to general practice." (Source: British Medical Association)
What is the aim of our PPG?
The aim of our PPG is to allow patients to make positive and constructive suggestions about the practice, to give practice staff and patients the opportunity to discuss topics of mutual interest, and to consult and plan with patients whenever possible on the facilities and provision of services within the Practice.
For more information about the PPG and how you can become involved ask at reception.
We hope to hold a virtual PPG meeting via zoom shortly - if you are interested in joining our PPG please let us know.
Do you have any comments or suggestions?
- Write your comments and suggestions and post in the boxes at reception
- Leave your contact details with Reception and a member of the group will contact you
Want to join the PPG? Complete our secure online form
The information you supply us will be used lawfully, in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. The Data Protection Act 1998 gives you the right to know what information is held about you and sets out rules to make sure that this information is handled properly.
Minutes of last meeting
Thursday 26th February 2026 at 6.30pm
Attendees
- Derek Cross (Chair)
- Dr Olliver Ferguson (GP Partner)
- Philip Adams
- Anne Carol
- Christine Churchill
- Kate Harlow
- Linda Jenkinson
- Alison Larkin
- Kevin Sparkhall,
Apologies
- Keith Merrin
- Lynn Ridsdale
- Anna Plummer
- Mary-Jayne Bournes
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting of 4th November 2025 were agreed.
Practice update
A warm welcome was given to the new Practice Manager, Amanda Trimmer.
The practice is still taking on new in-area patients, with numbers increasing by around 5 per cent per year. Some PPG members thought additional patients from the new housing developments might possibly cause issues in future.
The new GP contract in April is not expected to make any significant changes. Weight loss injections may possibly be an additional workload in the short term.
PPG members expressed concern at the number of missed appointments and the reasons for them. No in-depth analysis has been done, but many cases are known to be people with mental health issues and/or where the Practice initiates regular monitoring. Reminders and messages following missed appointments are sent. It was agreed to have a further discussion on policy at the next meeting.
Systems
In response to a question, Dr Ferguson said that there were no plans to introduce Total Triage at the practice. Although this is being encouraged by the Government and has been introduced by some practices in the area, current systems at the Practice seem sufficiently effective not to require Total Triage at this time.
Some changes have been adopted, such as on-line appointments and consultations. The latter are a Government requirement and are increasing. Responding to them takes GP time but helps direct patients to the right services and avoid unnecessary GP appointments. Waits for a face-to-face appointment are stable at three weeks.
PPG members had some concerns about the capacity of some older patients to cope with the technology of on-line systems.
The Pharmacy First system is working well, especially through the Horsmonden Pharmacy and Paddock Wood Pharmacy.
There is a new first-contact physiotherapy service, replacing an earlier system, which should provide consultations within a week. Increased capacity of the First contact physio service now with more face-to-face appointments, which are held at Staplehurst, Marden and Lamberhurst surgeries. Telephone appointments are still available for this service. A system of Health and Well-Being Coaches is replacing earlier Social Prescribing initiatives.
Everyone was encouraged to use the NHS App, which offers more than Patient Access.
The Practice has a new website, on which PPG comments were positive. Further feedback was encouraged, for example, if there are any broken links.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations will be offered this spring for COVID and other respiratory vaccinations in line with Government guidelines.
The next PPG meeting was agreed for Tuesday 9th June at 1.30pm at Horsmonden Surgery.