Shropshire Patient Group (SPG) needs new members

Each General Practice should have a Practice Patient Group (PPG), which provides a way for patients and the public to have their say on medical services within the county.

Set up 12 years ago, the Shropshire Patient Group (SPG) acts as a channel for information to pass between individual PPGs and NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin. They act as critical friend and pass on views and thoughts to NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.

Over the years, members of the SPG have been involved in many committees, working parties, and discussions. The greater involvement of the patients in the design and implementation of services will increase patients understanding of how the system works and help manage their expectations of what can feasible be provided.

The SPG meets once a month virtually on zoom. The session usually includes one or two speakers to talk about different services or work happening in the local NHS, which promotes discussion. Individual members also raise matters of concern to themselves or to their PPG and share experiences within their practices.

The group are always looking for new members. Anyone living in Shropshire is welcome and you do not need any previous knowledge of the NHS. All you need is a desire to have a role in the future development and structure of our local NHS.

Existing members would be happy to chat individually to anyone who may be interested in joining.

Julian Birch is a retired General Practitioner and Chair of the SPG, he said: “I’ve always believed in patients being involved closely in the delivery of primary care.

“Thirty years ago my practice had a Patient Group where a diverse range of patients were invited to attend and consulted on all changes in the way the practice worked. Many good ideas came from the patients.

“I am now retired but still very interested in the provision of local medical services and still strongly believe that the users of a service should have a serious say in their design, change, and delivery.”

Anyone interested in becoming a member should speak to Julian on jjulian.birch@gmail.com