Milton Keynes PCT

Step 1: The initial set-up meeting took place in October 2008.  There is good knowledge about the status of PPGs locally because of the involvement of lay people in the visits to practices to review their actions against the Quality Outcomes Framework (part of the national GP contract).  Milton Keynes is aiming for more (and better) PPGs, greater networking across groups, innovative communication models, training and development of PPG members and a clearer sense of what makes a good PPG.

Step 2: 5 of the 26 practices had a PPG at the outset and further mapping has taken place to understand the views of practices in more detail.

Step 3: N.A.P.P. ran a 2-hour workshop with over 50 people present in November 2008.  That push is now being followed up with encouragement and support for practices to set up more PPGs.  A further, equally well attended, workshop took place in April 2009.

Step 4: Milton Keynes is aiming to introduce PPGs into every one of its practices and has quality incentives in place to support this.

Step 5: A local version of the Step by Step guide has been produced and distributed, as well as a DVD to support the programme of work.