Rosy Dickinson is part of our Patient Participation Group (PPG) at DHU Healthcare’s Bowling Green Surgery in Leicester, who meet regularly to help improve services at their practice or highlight issues which they feel may need more attention.
She is one of around ten or twelve members who carry out this essential work to help keep services as good as they can be for patients and we spoke to Rosy to find out what it is like to lend her voice to the group as one of the volunteers.
A retired primary school teacher, Rosy told us: "The group consists of patients and staff from various areas of the surgery and we meet regularly to improve services and address important concerns. To get this straight, we are not here to complain! The PPG is there to provide a platform for constructive and honest feedback on issues that affect our patients.
“I believe that by sharing our unique insights and ideas, PPG members can actively contribute to the ongoing improvement of the practice. It ensures that the needs and concerns of patients are heard and addressed effectively. It's a chance to be involved in shaping the future of healthcare provision and making a positive impact on the lives of patients which makes me feel valued in the knowledge we are carrying out an important function.”
Rosy has used the surgery as a patient and was pleased to receive exceptional care from Dr. Tank and Dr. Makoni when she needed it. This helped to give her the impetus to become more involved, adding: "I’ve always received excellent care when needed at Bowling Green Street Surgery and like many, I value the continuity of care when it comes to who I see each time I visit.
“It was just over five years ago when I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called Giant Cell Arteritis; if it hadn’t been for their quick response in sending me to the hospital as an emergency, I could easily have lost my vision permanently. I can’t fault the expertise and attentiveness I have received over the years since I have been a patient at BGSS and I will be forever grateful.”
Rosy was also thankful for the wonderful care she received from the Practice Nurses and the Healthcare Assistant as well as the Practice Manager and Reception Staff who work tirelessly under sometimes very challenging circumstances to ensure that patient care is a priority. She believes that it is a team effort and that everyone who works there pulls together for the patients.
Speaking about recent changes she has seen to improve the patient experience, Rosy said: "The new website has made it easier for me to quickly obtain vital blood test results, helping me to manage my condition more effectively. It's user-friendly and provides streamlined and quicker access to important information which helps to reduce the stress associated with waiting for results.
"Being a member of the PPG allows us to promote empathy and create a supportive environment within the practice. By actively listening and advocating for patients' needs, we can contribute to a culture of respect and appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the healthcare staff.
"I understand how busy everyone is, but I would certainly recommend sparing a couple of hours a month to join a group like our PPG and make a difference. I know I have personally gained a lot from the experience and have certainly learnt more about how things work behind the scenes.”
If you share Rosy’s passion for making a difference in healthcare and would like to get involved, we invite you to look our for our patient groups in your local area or ask at reception to see how you can help. Rosy and her fellow volunteers will warmly welcome you, offering a supportive environment where you can actively shape the future of healthcare.