Findings revealed on Rochdale borough Patient Participation Groups at GP practices

Healthwatch Rochdale has released its latest findings on Patient Participation Groups (PPGs) across Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, highlighting the progress and ongoing challenges since 2022.

The NHS mandates that every GP practice must have a PPG, a group composed of patients aiming to enhance the practice's service quality for patients, doctors, and staff. The initial comprehensive study on PPGs was conducted in September 2022 after residents reported a lack of active PPGs at their GP practices.

2022 vs 2024: Key Findings

In 2022, the survey revealed:

• 28% of GP practices had an active PPG.
• 28% were planning to restart their PPG.
• 44% did not have an active PPG.

In 2024, the landscape has shifted:

• 50% of GP practices now have active PPGs, an increase from 28% in 2022.
• 25% have PPGs established but are not currently holding meetings.
• 25% need support from Healthwatch Rochdale (HWR) to re-establish their PPGs, although significant support has already been provided.

Additional findings from the 2024 research indicate:

• Some PPGs are still not set up within the borough.
• 95% of practices had a dedicated PPG page on their website.
• 28% of practices were difficult to contact via telephone or email.
• Reception staff lacked awareness and information about PPGs.

Since April 2015, NHS England has required all GP practices to have a PPG and to make reasonable efforts to ensure it represents the practice population.

To address the identified gaps, Healthwatch Rochdale has initiated a support programme for practices without a PPG or those facing challenges in managing them. The organisation will work with Primary Care commissioners in Heywood, Middleton, and Rochdale to ensure all PPGs are re-established by April 2025.

Kate Jones, CEO of Healthwatch Rochdale, said: “PPGs give patients the opportunity to meet with staff to discuss practice issues and use patient experience to improve service.

"With the changes that are currently taking place within Primary Care we recognise that PPGs are one of the best ways to get people involved and have a say when decisions are being made that affect their healthcare. 

“We welcome the response we have received from our findings and look forward to seeing all PPGs reinstated by April 2025”.

The data shows both improvements and ongoing challenges, with an increase in active PPGs but still a need for better communication and support to ensure all practices meet the NHS requirements.

Read the full report here