Dr R Durber

Put simply, a Patient Participation Group, we call it a 'PPG', is a group of patients from this GP Practice who meet with health professionals to discuss topics of mutual interest and to make positive suggestions about The Practice. Leek Health Centre has had a PPG for several years - it was one of the first Practices to have one.

It would be useful if you could provide your NHS number. We will also need to see two forms of identification, one to include a photo ID e.g. All patients, including children, are allocated a named, accountable GP. Your named GP has overall responsibility for the care and support that the surgery provides to you and will work with other relevant health and care professionals who are involved in your care.

The NHS General Practice Forward View (GPFV) outlines a five-year plan to sustain and transform general practice. Under the Extended Hours Primary Care Services programme, there is a requirement for patients to be able to access 1 hours additional appointments after 6.30pm each week day and an effective weekend service based on the local needs of the area.

NHS North Staffordshire are responsible for commissioning the out of hours service who provide cover for emergencies and urgent problems outside of Leek Health Centre core opening hours. You don't need to see your doctor - you can get advice and treatment from your pharmacist.

Patients registered with Leek Health Centre, who are entitled to free prescriptions (including a valid pre-payment certificate) can have a consultation at a local pharmacy for any of the following conditions without having to make an appointment to see a doctor or nurse.If you are not entitled to free prescriptions, you are still able to access the Pharmacy First Scheme.

Practices will work together and will, with other health service providers make patient care more co-ordinated and easier to access, whilst making the GP workload sustainable. The two main objectives this year for the PCN will be to form relationships with local community healthcare providers, and recruit two new members of staff for the PCN.