Join your local patient reference group and make a difference
NHS North Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is encouraging local patients to support their GP surgery by joining their patient reference group (PRG).
Many GP practices in North Kirklees have an active patient reference group. These groups are designed to give you the opportunity to contribute to the continuing improvement of your practice.
Every PRG is unique, evolving to meet local needs. Most commonly, they work with their practice to offer the patient perspective on the services that are provided. The PRGs also help to improve communication between the practice and their patients.
Dr David Kelly, a local GP and Chair of NHS North Kirklees CCG said:
“By joining your PRG you will be able to engage with your local GP practice and support them in developing the services that they provide.”
He added: “You will also be able to help to contribute to the continuous improvement of services at your GP practice.”
The aim is to reach as wide a range of patients as possible so that your practice can get views from across their local population. Some PRGs hold meetings for their members, while others run on a more “virtual” basis.
Local Ravensthorpe resident Tony Hollands, a member of the PRG at Dr Mahmood and Partners, Ravensthorpe Health Centre said:
“I joined the PRG at my GP practice because I wanted to be involved and find out more about how national initiatives and policies affect my GP practice. Through being a PRG member I am also able to contribute by having the knowledge to support and signpost other patients to services that our GP practice offers.”
He added: “I would thoroughly recommend patients to join their PRG – it will not only help your surgery, but help other patients there too.”
There is also a PRG network, where representatives from PRGs come together to discuss issues that matter to them and provides an opportunity for them to input into the commissioning process.
To find out more about your local patient reference group contact the practice manager at your GP practice.