About the Patient Participation Group

 

Patient Participation Groups (PPG) were established in 1972 and is made up of patients at this surgery who have an interest in the services we provide.

The PPG works in partnership with the practice, contributing to the continuous improvement of services and standards of care to the patient population. The aim of this PPG is to ensure that HTMG puts the patient at the heart of everything it does. Their role is to be a critical friend to the practice, advising on patient perspective, providing insight into the quality of services, encouraging patients to take a greater responsibility for their own health, researching the views of those who use the practice, participating in health promotion events and communicating with the patient population.

Meetings take place quarterly and they follow an agenda. They are a forum to discuss patient issues, concerns and suggestions. It is also an opportunity to listen to speakers from the practice about developments or initiatives which will affect the patient population.

JOIN THE PPG HERE

Our PPG has a key role to play at HTMG as they help ensure that patients and their carers can influence our local services. They support the practice in developing services to ensure the needs and wishes of the patient population are met.
The role of the PPG includes:

  • being a critical friend to the practice
  • advising the practice on patient perspective, providing an insight into the quality of services
  • encouraging patients to take greater responsibility for their own health
  • researching the views of those who use the practice
  • participating in health promotion events
  • regularly communicating with the patient population
 

Members

The PPG at Hildenborough and Tonbridge Medical Group currently consists of around 8 patients, the Practice Manager and a Lead GP.

  • Mrs Ann Evans
  • Mrs Audrey Mitchell
  • Mrs Gillian Penrose
  • Mr John Caird
  • Mrs Karen Chandler
  • Mrs Sally Browne
  • Mrs Stella Collins
  • Mrs Sue Smith
  • Practice Manager
  • Lead GP

Please see below a little bit about the members and if you see them around, please do feel free to share your thoughts with them as we always value feedback.

Member Profiles

The PPG here at Hildenborough & Tonbridge Medical Group consists of the following individuals:

Image of PPG member Stella

Stella

I am interested in all aspects of healthcare within the boundaries of primary care, particularly preventative steps that we can all take to keep ourselves healthy.

 

female silhouette

Gilly Penrose

I have lived in Sevenoaks/Hildenborough since I was two, apart from University in Italy followed by 12 years living in London.
For the past 40 years I have worked as an Executive Assistant at Board Level in both business and politics. My approach has always be proactive and as a strong team player which I hope I can bring as member of the PPG to promote and support the views of those using the practice as well as bolster the resilience of those working in the practice after two very difficult years.

 

photo of PPG member Ann Evans

Ann Evans

Born in Middlesex. Froebel trained teacher , married to GP, four children, several grandchildren. Medical secretarial work for GP Trainer. Interests in healthy life style, gardening, embroidery, sculpture.

 

Photo of PPG member John Caird

John Caird

Retired banker who has lived in Weald for 40 years. Has been Clerk to Weald Parish Council since 2007.

 

Karen

Karen

Karen has lived in Hildenborough since 2006 with her husband and two sons. She is a children’s and adult nurse and works in higher education and the NHS. She is passionate about children and young people’s health and the importance of the patients voice in healthcare.

 

Sally

Sally

I have been retired nearly 3 years from the NHS after working locally as a Physiotherapist for 25 years. I am keen to be involved in the developments in healthcare locally and feel I have some insight and experience to contribute. I’m an active dog walker with my Lab ‘Lola’, an enthusiastic gardener, and live in Hildenborough with Hubby and teenage daughter.

 

Laurie

Laurie

Laurie Dunkin Wedd has lived in the area all his life. He is a well-known local musician and composer, but to put bread on the table worked for many years in magazine publishing. Now retired, he is passionate about sustainability and local causes.

 

Sue Smith

Sue Smith

Vice Chair of Leigh Parish Council and former science journalist. Interested in helping improve communications and access to health services in the post-covid world.

Married to Colin who had early onset Parkinson’s Disease which is now advanced and complex, so interested and experienced in services for long term health conditions and also in medical research and patient trials.