Keeping in Touch with Your PPG Through Winter Pressures

As winter approaches, healthcare services prepare for one of the most demanding times of the year. For practices, balancing increasing patient demand with limited resources can be challenging, but Patient Participation Groups (PPGs) can provide essential support and insight during these months. By keeping communication open and engaging with PPGs, practices can navigate winter pressures more effectively while maintaining strong community ties.

Here are a few ways to stay connected and make the most of your PPG’s support this winter:

1. Regular Updates on Winter Campaigns

Winter brings a surge of initiatives, from flu vaccinations to cold weather advice. Sharing regular updates with your PPG can help them stay informed, and they can relay this information to the broader community. Encourage your PPG to promote these campaigns, whether through their networks or at local events. Clear communication will allow the PPG to help spread awareness, reducing the strain on your practice and ensuring patients receive the right information.

2. Prioritising Patient Support

For many, winter can feel isolating, especially older or vulnerable patients. PPGs can help support patient well-being by coordinating check-ins or simply being a friendly voice. Consider working with your PPG to organise volunteer calls with other local community groups to patients who may need extra support over winter, such as those who live alone or have complex medical needs. It’s a simple way to extend your practice’s reach and foster community warmth.

3. Monthly Check-Ins with the Group

Regularly touching base with your PPG during winter can help address emerging concerns early. A monthly virtual or in-person meeting keeps everyone on the same page and allows for feedback on the impact of winter pressures. PPG members can provide insights into patients’ needs, helping your practice anticipate and respond to common issues like appointment availability, medication access, or patient education.

4. Using PPG Feedback to Shape Patient Communication

Winter is often when patients need the most guidance on accessing services efficiently. Ask your PPG for feedback on your current communication approach and whether it meets patients’ needs. For instance, if patients have struggled to book appointments in the past, perhaps your PPG can suggest a more transparent scheduling system or help you promote online booking options. By tapping into the PPG’s direct experience with the community, you can enhance patient satisfaction and streamline service delivery.

5. Celebrating Small Wins Together

With so much pressure, it’s easy to overlook the positives. Make a habit of sharing successes with your PPG, whether it’s hitting a target number for flu vaccinations or receiving patient feedback. Recognising these achievements can be a morale booster and remind everyone that their efforts are making a difference. Even a short message or thank-you email can go a long way in reinforcing the impact of the PPG’s support.

By maintaining consistent and collaborative communication with your PPG, practices can ensure patients receive well-rounded care and support during the busy winter months. PPGs are an invaluable resource, and their connection to the community can play a crucial role in navigating seasonal challenges. Together, we can make sure that patients feel supported, informed, and cared for, no matter what winter throws our way.