Patient Participation Group

The Patient Participation Group is made up from a number of patients who are registered with the Practice and who have volunteered to be members of the Group.

What is the Patient Participation Group (PPG)?

Thatcham Medical Practice PPG has operated for a number of years.

One of the Government’s initiatives is to have patients involved with the planning and running of all aspects of the NHS. GP practices are encouraged to form PPGs made up of patients and practice staff to act as a link.

PPG Objectives:

  • Improve patient care and relations
  • Act as a good communication tool and raise awareness
  • Suggest change and address issues
  • Act as a lobby group to Clinical Commissioning Group
  • Promote good practice and healthcare

The PPG meets 6 times a year and all are welcome; dates and minutes of meetings can be found on the PPG notice board in the waiting room.

If you would like to be involved in the PPG, complete the registration form.

Policies

Meeting etiquette and Ground Rules

  • This meeting is not a forum for individual complaints and single issues, and the PPG should not be seen as a complaint platform
  • As per confidentiality rules, no personal issues should be discussed
  • All views are valid; everyone’s views must be listened to and respected
  • No discrimination will be tolerated by the PPG ( see Inclusivity Policy)
  • The meeting will be an open, safe and honest environment.
  • All members will be treated with respect and have a chance to air their views
  • Members will respect each other, the practice, their staff members and confidentiality at all times
  • The group will commit to delivering results for the PPG
  • Mobile phones will be switched off or put on silent to not disturb the meeting.
  • The meeting will start and finish on time
  • All members will stick to the agenda to be discussed.
  • Chairperson post and other roles for the group will be elected annually at the AGM
  • This Policy to be reviewed every two years (March 2028 by the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Practice Manager with any amendments being presented to the AGM for consideration and approval.

The PPG will comply with the 7 Nolan Principles

Although voluntary, membership to the PPG is a responsible public position. Members will represent the voice of patients registered at practice. The PPG is therefore governed by the 7 Nolan principles of public life, as identified below:

  • Selflessness: Holders of public office should take decisions solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends
  • Integrity: Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might influence them in the performance of their official duties.
  • Objectivity: In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.
  • Accountability: Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
  • Openness: Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.
  • Honesty: Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.
  • Leadership: Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.

David R Weller – March 2026
Approved and Adopted at the PPG AGM on Tuesday 14th April 2026
To be Reviewed – March 2028

Policy and Charter

Purpose

Patient Participation Group (PPG) exists to provide a voice for patients and to work in partnership with the Practice to improve services.

This charter sets out our commitment to inclusivity and respect within the Patient Participation Group (PPG). We aim to create an environment where all patients, carers, and members feel welcomed, valued, and able to contribute equally.

Commitment to Inclusivity

All members are expected to use inclusive and respectful language that does not exclude or discriminate against others based on:

  • Ethnicity or cultural background
  • Sexual orientation
  • Gender or gender identity
  • Age
  • Disability
  • Religion or belief
  • Colour of skin
  • Socio-economic background

The group will actively work to encourage participation from all sections of the community, ensuring voices from underrepresented groups are included.

Shared Responsibility

Every member of the PPG has a personal responsibility to:

  • Be aware of the language they use.
  • Ensure that discussions remain respectful, inclusive, and constructive.
  • Respectfully challenge language or behaviour that may be discriminatory, offensive, or exclusionary.
  • Support fellow members in fostering an open and welcoming atmosphere.

It is everyone’s duty to help maintain this inclusive standard. If something is said or done that goes against this principle, members are encouraged to respectfully question and address it.

Accountability and Resolution

If a disagreement or issue arises that cannot be resolved informally within the group:

  • The matter should first be raised with the PPG Chairman.
  • The Chair will facilitate a fair discussion, ensuring that all viewpoints are heard and considered.
  • If the issue cannot be resolved at this level, it will be referred to the Practice Manager for final resolution.

The overall responsibility for ensuring this charter is upheld lies with the PPG Chairman, supported by the Practice Manager.

Review

This policy will be every two years (March 2028) by the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Practice Manager to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and inclusive of the diverse community it serves, with any amendments being presented to the AGM for consideration and approval.

David R Weller – March 2026
Approved and Adopted at the PPG AGM on Tuesday 14th April 2026
To be Reviewed – March 2028