A new £20,000 fund was launched yesterday (3 August 2009) to support initiatives undertaken by Patient Participation Groups (PPGs).
The Making a Difference fund is being made available as part of the Growing Patient Participation campaign, and is intended to offer PPGs a chance to bid for financial support to help run local initiatives.
The Growing Patient Participation campaign, a joint initiative run by the National Association for Patient Participation, NHS Alliance, Royal College of GPs and British Medical Association, and supported by the Department of Health, aims to raise awareness of the work being done by PPGs, to encourage more widespread involvement and to support the creation of PPGs in more practices.
PPGs can bid for up to £4,000 of the £20,000 available, to fund a new initiative or support the continuation of valuable existing activities. All bids will be judged by a panel including representatives from the National Association for Patient Participation (NAPP), PCTs, PPGs, GPs and practice managers.
All types and sizes of initiative will be considered – however, the successful bids must demonstrate that they are achievable, will respond to local patient needs, and will have a real impact on the health and wellbeing of the local population.
Awards will be made in two rounds. The deadline for application for the first round is 23 November 2009. Awards will be made to successful bidders in December. The deadline for applications for the second round is 12 January 2010 and awards will be made in February. PPGs can apply by email or in writing.
Dr Graham Box, Chief Executive of the NAPP, said: “Currently, 41% of general practices in England have a PPG, and evidence shows that they help to improve services, promote health and allow better communication between the practice and its patients. PPGs can be effective in ensuring the patient experience is as smooth and pleasant as possible.”
He added: “NAPP and the Growing Patient Participation campaign partners are delighted by the launch of this award, which will support PPGs in making a real difference to their practices and their communities. More than that, it will highlight the excellent, often undervalued work that is undertaken by PPGs.”
