Patient groups get financial support

Released 08/03/2010

PPGs awarded £30,000 in funding

Patient Participation Groups across the country have been awarded a share of £30,000 to support patient-led initiatives, in a campaign run jointly by the RCGP, BMA, NHS Alliance and National Association for Patient Participation (NAPP).

PPGs could bid for up to £4,000 of the £30,000 available from the Making a Difference fund, launched in August last year.

The proposals for funding included schemes designed to widen access to patient services to initiating health promotion events.

NAPP chief executive Dr Graham Box, a member of the judging panel, said: "The vast majority of applications were of an extremely high standard, and demonstrated a real desire to make improvements for the benefit of the local population. While the judging process was extremely difficult, these winners were selected for their innovative, yet practical ideas, which we believe will make a real difference to their local communities."

"With some applicants requesting as little as £250 to fund an initiative, it just goes to show that it doesn't take much for PPGs to create a real, positive impact."

The successful entries included:
The Frome Patient Participation Group in Somerset to fund a men's health promotion event at the local rugby club

The Stanton and Corse PPG in Malvern to fund emergency first aid training for community and resident groups

The Charles Hicks and Roman Gate PPG in Cambridgeshire to set up an information and support network for carers.

Source: Pulse

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