Patient group scoops award

A GROUP representing patients at a GP practice in Rotherham has won a top national award for its work.

The Patient Participation Group at the Stag Medical Centre was presented with a special plaque and £600 to spend for the benefit of patients at the annual conference of the National Association of Patient Participation (NAPP) held in Leeds.

The 2014 Corkhill Award is awarded annually by NAPP to the patient group they feel has done most to help patients at their practice bring about improvements.

Chairman Jenny Drew said: “We’re delighted to win this award which recognises the progress we’ve made since the PPG was set up.”

The Stag Medical Centre PPG, which also covers Rose Court Surgery at Wickersley, was formed two-and-a-half years ago.

It has a core membership of 14 who meet regularly with the practice manager to discuss issues from a patient perspective.

They have carried out three surveys to date and a number of changes have been made as a result.

These include an improved appointment system, more comfortable waiting room environments and better access to buildings for people with limited mobility and parents with prams.

PPG members have also been on hand to help at flu vaccination clinics which raised funds for Macmillan Nurses and Rotherham Cancer Care.

Practice manager, Chris Thompson, said: “I feel this award is a recognition of the good work that has been done for the patients and the staff at the practice, and is a credit to the hard work that a lot of people have put in.”