The Constitution of the Cedars Patient Group defines its core Objective as follows:
‘The central objective of the PPG is to develop and support a constructive and positive partnership between Cedars’ patients, the practice and the community it serves, seeking to ensure that the practice remains accountable and responsive to patient needs.’
While there is a focus on the patients of this practice, however, it is important to note that the approved Terms of Reference include the following commitments:
- To facilitate and develop relationships with other voluntary groups and services within the wider community
- To support the practice in developing strategies that deliver equality of access to healthcare for all demographic groups in the community, ensuring that these are informed by non-discriminatory values.
For example, the Town Council and the Patient Group work closely together in supporting the Cheshire East Council forum for voluntary groups – the ‘Connecting Communities Partnership’.
In addition, the Patient Participation Group (PPG) has established its own independent bank account to support community-wide projects relating to the cost of living as well as establishing a Community Garden in the green and open space outside the Alsager Health Centre. The PPG raised funding for this project through donations and successfully applied for a grant from the Cheshire Community Foundation. This has led to a partnership with the Town Council on this project through its Town Rangers that has been absolutely essential to this ongoing project that has attracted much support from the wider community. Seating has been designed to encourage social engagement and flower beds established. Phase 2 of the development currently involves the creation of a wildflower meadow.