The Westminister & Pimlico Health Centre Patient Group

Dear Patient

The Practice is keen to set up a Patient Group and we would like to invite you to become a member of this group. We would like to hear your views on what works, what doesn't and what improvements you would like to see at the Practice.

• We are looking to involve as many patients in the group as possible, on a voluntary basis, so that we can shape and develop the services that we deliver to you, to make sure we offer you the services that you would expect and require. Your contribution would be valued and appreciated in helping us to help you, so we can give you the best quality health care. If you feel we do things well, we would like to know, so we can continue the good work!

What is the Patient Reference Group?

The Patient Reference Group (PRG) is voluntary group of patients who will work together alongside the Doctors, Nurses and the Staff to help improve the way the Practice works and represent the interests of the patient population.

What will being part of the PRG involved from me?

The PRG will meet together several times a year at the surgery to discuss any issues, make suggestions and deal with any complaints. The first meeting of the PRG is scheduled for the end of January.

We want to hold a survey of all our patients' views, and one of the first tasks of the PRG will be to help draw up the survey questions.

In addition we may occasionally contact you by email to ask for your opinion about how we can improve our service.

Who can become a member of the PRG?

The PRG is open to any registered member of the Practice. However the Practice reserves the right to refuse membership of the group to any patient if it considers it in the best interests of the patient or the Practice.

If there is a lot of demand the Practice reserves the right to limit the numbers attending PRG meetings, members will be chosen in a random manner that will reflect the diversity of the patient population.

Do I have to join the PRG?

Not at all. Membership of the PRG is entirely voluntary and there is no pressure to join.

What happens if I no longer want to take part in the PRG?

If you want to leave the PRG at any stage just leave your details at Reception so we can take you off of our mailing list for the PRG.

What is involved?

Suggestions and Ideas
We would like to hear your views and ideas on what you would like to see from the surgery, so we can identify areas for improvement and influence the development of the local health services. We will gather this information by inviting you to participate in simple on-line surveys up to four times a year.

Your opinion
Occasionally we may contact you for your opinion on certain proposed changes.

Meetings
Members of the group will be invited to attend the Patient Group, perhaps twice a year, to discuss the focus of any changes to be made and the outcomes.

Our first meeting will be held at the end of January 2012.

Reporting Back
We will publish on our website a report of the Patient Group activity and subsequent achievements.

Finally – if you would like to become a member of the Patient Group, please complete the form and return it to us. DOWNLOAD FORM HERE or fill it in online below:

PLEASE NOTE THE FORM BELOW IS ONLY TO BE USED TO JOIN THE PATIENT GROUP.

IF YOU HAVE A QUERY ABOUT ANY OTHER PART OF OUR SERVICE PLEASE CONTACT THE SURGERY. WE ARE UNABLE TO RESPOND TO ANY QUERIES RECEIVED THROUGH THE FORM.

Personal Details Name: Date of Birth: E-mail: Address Telephone No: Date of Application     Your help in completing the following would be appreciated, so that we can make sure all our groups of patients are represented as far as possible Are you? Male Female Age Group Under 16 years 55-64 years 17-24 years 65-74 years 25-34 years 75-84 years 35-44 years over 84 years 45-54 years     Ethnic Origin - I would describe my ethnic origin as follows: (please tick as appropriate) White Mixed Other British White & Asian Chinese Irish White & Black African Other ethnic group Other Black background White & Black Caribbean     Other mixed background         Black or Black British Asian or Asian British   African Bangladeshi I do not wish to disclose Caribbean Indian   Other Black background Pakistani     Other Asian background   How would you describe how often you come to the Practice? Regularly Occasionally Very rarely   To get us started - Ideas/Suggestions/Comments

Please note:
• No medical information or questions will be responded to.
• Individual complaints cannot be dealt with through the Patient Group. Complaints should be addressed to the Practice Manager. Copies of our complaints procedure can be requested from the practice.

Please be assured that your contact details will be kept safely and securely, and not shared with anyone else.

The information you supply us will be used lawfully, in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. The Data Protection Act 1998 gives you the right to know what information is held about you, and sets out rules to make sure that this information is handled properly.