The benefits of a PPG

Good for patients because:   
• Patients will be more responsible for and take an active interest in their own health.   
• Patients will have a better understanding and knowledge of the practice and its staff and how it must 
operate within the structure of the NHS.   
• All sections of the community will be enabled to get involved through virtual PPGs which use email 
networks and online surveys   
• Patients will be actively involved in developing arrangements for their primary healthcare before 
decisions are made.   
• Patients benefit from improved communication and relationships with staff.   
• Patients will have a forum for positive ideas and voicing concerns.   
• PPGs can offer some peer support to patients in managing their conditions, making healthy choices 
and accessing information 

Good for GPs and practice staff because   
• PPGs assist GPs and the practice team to develop an equal partnership with patients and an 
increased understanding of patients’ priorities, needs, wishes and perspectives.  
• PPGs help GPs and their staff to communicate accurately and honestly with their patient population, 
ensuring there is regular two-way dialogue and feedback between them.   
• Through virtual PPGs, GP’s and staff can connect with a wide diversity of their patients, particularly 
from minority communities and those whose voices are seldom heard. 
• PPGs are an additional resource for the practice raising awareness of and signposting wider services, 
promoting health and well-being choices, providing practical help in administering specific 
campaigns.  
• PPGs can encourage more self-care for minor ailments empowering patients and the public to use 
services more effectively and appropriately  
• GPs and their staff will be able to plan services jointly with patients in order to increase their 
effectiveness and target resources more effectively  
• PPGs can take pressure off practices by helping patients with non-medical and social care issues.   
• The practice will be able to get help from patients in meeting national targets and objectives such as 
the CQC Essential Standards, patient involvement in Revalidation of doctors and the implementation 
of national programmes such as Patient Online.  
• The practice will have a forum to voice concerns, ideas and suggestions to patients.   
• PPGs help ensure shared decision-making with patients and with the wider community about key 
health matters, reflecting patient needs locally.   
• Practices will get closer to the community for whom they care.   

Good for the community because   
• Patients will have an organisation through which they can identify needs and priorities.   
• Patients will be able to get an idea of what is needed to improve healthcare, and make sure that the 
patient view is always represented.   
• Patients will maintain an open two-way dialogue with GPs and other healthcare professionals.   
• Patients will be able to have a say in shaping local services through local PPG networks feeding into 
commissioning arrangements    
• Patients will have opportunities to become involved in other community initiatives focused on local 
health care provision e.g. PCN's and Local Healthwatch