PEOPLE registered with GP practices in Dorset are being encouraged to find out more about how they can help influence health services in their community.

Patient Participation Groups (PPGs) work in partnership with GP practices and allow patients to contribute their views, make suggestions for improvements or get involved in events.

Two information events are being held during May where people can speak to staff and PPG members from across the area, find out more and get their questions answered. There will also be short presentations from local GP Dr Simone Yule and the LiveWell Dorset team.

Frances Aviss, engagement lead with NHS Dorset CCG, said: “PPGs have been around for nearly 50 years now, and along with being a way of giving views and feedback on how services are run in their local area, many people find them a good way to meet new people, give something back to their local community and gain experience, which could prove valuable for the future.

"There are no limitations to who can join and we would particularly like to hear from people who may be taking a year out before university, have young families or maybe have some innovative ideas which could help out their local practice.”

Events take place at Kinson Community Centre on Wednesday, May 8, from 2pm - 4pm, and St Mary’s Primary School, Blandford on Thursday, May 9, 6pm - 8pm.

For more information, call 07980 751520 / 07766 924612 or email communications@dorsetccg.nhs.uk

To book a place visit www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/PPGEventsMay2019