Patient Participation refers to patients taking an active interest in their health care and that of their community. Patients acting jointly, usually in conjunction with their GP, constitute a Patient Participation Group (PPG). There is an umbrella organisation for PPGs - National Association for Patient Participation. For more information go to their website
The PPG was set up in March 2005 with patients from Belford and Seahouses area. It provides a link between patients and Belford Medical Practice; supporting the patients' needs and ensuring effective communication; it identifies patients' needs with regard to information and arranges events and speakers to provide this.
It meets on a regular basis: several times a year, alternately in Belford and Seahouses. Belford PPG relies on liaison and co operation with the Practice and a member of staff often attends to update the group or to discuss developments or proposals. The Group supports the Practice in its dealings with other bodies such as local Councils, Community groups and more recently the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG); a member of the group attends the CCG locality meetings in Alnwick.
The PPG also has a virtual group who are unable to attend meetings but want to participate. This group receives Agendas, summaries of meetings and all information circulated to the 'actual' group for comment and opinion. These views are reported back to the Practice for information. Contact details for the virtual group are not circulated.
This is a registered charity and is run thanks to the kind donations and fundraising efforts of the patients. It enables the practice to buy and loan out equipment otherwise not available to the practice and helps patients continue treatment at home. A wall mounted cabinet in the main reception area at Belford houses the donations book which is updated yearly. Anyone interested in attending the meetings held 3 times a year should contact the practice.
The PPG is always looking for new members. Come along and make a difference. Contact any member or the Practice for more information. If you are interested in Health Matters generally and in this area and are any of the following:
We are waiting for a new list of members which will appear here once we have it.
You can email the group at practice.group14@yahoo.co.uk or alternatively you can contact the Practice at Belford or Seahouses and they will forward your contact details
Bell View have established a group of local volunteers who will offer basic, low level support to older people when they return home from hospital. Practical help will be offered including getting daily papers, tidying up, sorting post, making hot drinks and snacks.
An essential element of the scheme will be to provide social contact and reassurance for people when they are at their most vulnerable. The Scheme is not providing personal or medical care.
Individuals will also be supported to access groups, services and opportunities available within their local area. If you require the use of this service or would like further details then contact Bell View Resource Centre on 01668219220.
Download meeting minutes form our Patient Participation group
July 2019Download minutes for meetings of our Equipment Fund group
October 2017