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Brora & Helmsdale Patient Participation Group (BHPPG)
It is a common misconception that the NHS can (and should) tackle all health problems. In reality, much health improvement is only in the control of people themselves and their community, and the health service can do little to tackle these issues unless the community is willing enough to make a difference. It is community-led action to improve health that has the greatest benefits. What can we do as individuals to improve health ourselves? Some areas that Brora and Helmsdale villages could look at to improve community health include :
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Quitting smoking, and avoiding exposure of children to smoke
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Consuming alcohol within the recommended weekly limits - 21 units for men and 14 units for women.
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Maintaining a healthy varied diet and weight
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Protecting ourselves and children against accidents at home and while outside
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Wearing helmets (chldren especially) when cycling
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Driving safely according to the speed limit and road conditions
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Supporting neighbours and each other as true communities do
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Prevent accidents: fit a smoke detector, keep a first aid kit
With this in mind, Brora and Helmsdale medical practice has set up a patient participation group of willing volunteers with two main aims:
1. To develop community projects to allow local people the opportunity to take charge of their health and find ways to improve it
2. To support the practice by providing feedback, suggestions and ideas to the practice team to improve services.
BHPPG held its first meeting on 1st October 2008 which was attended by members from Brora and Helmsdale communities. The initial meeting held discussed the preparatory work involved in setting up a functioning PPG, some initial ideas for practice service improvement and some possible ideas for community health improvement. We are affliated to the National Association of Patient Participation Groups (NAPP). Further information on the PPG, its planned meetings and, most crucially, what difference the group makes can be found below:
If you are interested in joining BHPPG, why not come along to a meeting? If you wish to find out more, please contact the practice manager for more information (in time we will provide contact details via the PPG secretary).
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