Patient Participation Group

About the The Westbank Practice Patient Participation Group (PPG)

To have a Patient Participation Group (PPG) is a contractual requirement for all GP practices in England. PPGs are concerned with the development of the Practice and the services for patients. PPG group members are The Westbank Practice patients who act as critical friends for the Practice.

In 2026, the Westbank PPG will have worked together with our surgeries in Starcross and Exminster for 20 years. The relationship developed over this time has been applauded by the QAA (Quality Assurance Agency) however, it continues to evolve to represent patient views.

The Group meets on a bi-monthly basis and discusses a variety of issues. This often includes change being made across the NHS and the impact on the Westbank Practice. From time to time we invite guests from other Patient Groups, NHS Professionals and the voluntary sector to discuss relevant ideas and schemes.

Central to our PPG activity is the collection, discussion and action upon Westbank patient views. We collect these views through a variety of means and discuss them with the Practice. We then share examples of enhancements or maintenance of good practice made through a variety of medium.

Virtual PPG Members

We have found that with the busy lives everyone leads, it’s often difficult for patients to attend the regular meetings. We have created a “virtual PPG” allowing patients to contribute to the meetings without having to attend.

This will work by the PPG contacting the virtual members by email ahead of a meeting and asking them to submit subjects for discussion at the meeting. The committee (patients themselves) will review the suggestions received and will try to incorporate as many as possible into the meeting for discussion. Once discussed and actions agreed by the PPG and surgery, these will be communicated back to all members (including virtual members) in the form of written minutes from the meeting by email. Of course, it goes without saying that confidential medical issues cannot be discussed, but if there are general issues suitable for public discussion, anything will be considered.

We pride ourselves on providing an excellent service to our patients and although we are aware that we are considered to be one of the best surgeries in the area, we also recognise that we are not by any means perfect. We would like to learn from patient feedback from a ‘Virtual PPG’ to complement the existing group.

More information