Patient Participation Groups

Patients at GP surgeries across Airedale, Craven and Wharfedale are working together to influence new NHS structures. Bradford LINk has helped bring together members of Patient Participation Groups (PPGs) across this area to form a network. The network is working with the Shadow Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) in the area so that patients and the public can influence decisions made about the health services you use.

Patient Participation Groups (PPGs) are made up of people who use particular GP surgeries. These people are able to talk directly to GPs and managers running a surgery about issues that are important to patients.

Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) will have responsibility for how money is spent on health services in the areas they serve. Airedale, Craven and Wharfedale is an example of a new CCG. A shadow CCG has been set up in Airedale, Craven and Wharfedale to test how this new structure will work

Bradford Link has hosted 2 PPG networking meetings already. PPG members in the Airedale, Craven and Wharfedale area can get involved in future network meetings. Each PPG can send up to three representatives.

The work Bradford LINk is doing with PPGs is part of Bradford's HealthWatch Pathfinder project. It is a joint partnership between the council, NHS Airedale, Bradford and Leeds,Bradford LINk and North Yorkshire LINk. The project is looking at how  public voice can influence new commissioning structures (Clinical Commissioning Groups).

As part of this project we would like to help create similar networks in other areas of the district. If you are a member of a PPG or are interested in the work we are doing, please get in touch. We're particularly interested to hear about your experiences working with PPGs. You can call Becky Mears on 01535 665258 or email becky@bradfordlink.org.uk. If you would like to become a member of your PPG, you must contact your GP surgery.

Download our PPG podcast to find out more