What We Do

Our aims are to:
  • Form a link between the patients and the Practice with a view to making a useful contribution to the improvement of existing local services
  • Be a critical friend to the Practice. We raise issues which cause some patients concern as well as highlight initiatives regarded by patients as a particular success
  • Produce regular News Updates. The Updates are produced in partnership with the Practice which provides information on PPG activities, developments at the Practice and useful NHS information. The Updates are distributed to all members via the website, email and a hardcopy available from the Surgery
  • Carry out research into the views of those who use the Practice. We work with the Practice to identify priorities for patients, and contribute to proposals for any improvements or changes
  • Advise the Practice on the patient perspective. We talk to patients to improve communication between the Practice and its patients to get their opinions and feelings as well as conduct patient surveys
  • Act as a link to the Integrated Care Board - representatives of the PPG attend meetings of the Kent & Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB). We report to the surgery and PPG members on the discussions and the plans that are outlined and put forward Marden's views on the ICB's various initiatives. The ICB is that part of the NHS responsible for developing and funding local medical services, including the GP Practices, hospitals in Kent and all other primary care facilities in Kent & Medway.
"Although independent of the Practice, with its own constitution, the group works very closely with us and:  acts as a voice for patient opinion, has helped us to develop our annual surveys and strategies and represents the views of patients at a local strategic level.  We have also been indebted for the practical support at our recent Flu Immunisation clinics and during our front entrance building work."

Marden Medical Centre
Some of the recent practical initiatives and activities undertaken by the PPG include:-
  • Helping with flu & Covid-19 clinics and prescription deliveries
  • Conducting a survey about ease of access before building alterations
  • Compiling a directory of local community groups
  • Organising health promotion events

What the PPG does not do is to handle complaints. Patient complaints or any questions of a medical nature should be addressed to the surgery in the normal way.