Patient Involvement

What is the Critical Friends Group?

The Critical Friends are a group of seven patients who have volunteered to learn about the Practice, make both “critical” and “friendly” comments, and help us with suggestions of how we can develop the Practice.

The group meets quarterly with two doctors and three members of the management team.

One of the roles of the group is to review comments and suggestions made by patients, either verbally or on patient surveys. The group helps us to see practical ways forward to improve our service. Each quarter they review our patient newsletter and make suggestions as to what to include in it.

In the past a significant number of patients have asked if we could have water dispensers in the waiting rooms, so we took the request to the Critical Friends Group. The group decided it was a good idea and raised funds for us to be able to do this. They have also raised funds for the screens for patient information in the waiting rooms, defibrillator machines as well as some other smaller medical equipment.

How do I get in touch with the Critical Friends Group members?

If you would like to get in touch with our Critical Friends Group members please write a message for them and leave it at Reception.

To view our Patient Participation report 2011-12 click here