Patient Participation Group Newsletter

March 2026

Your Patient Participation Group (PPG)

The original PPG paused during COVID but in the last two years has resumed with twelve dedicated patients from Two Rivers surgery who aim to support the practice and to represent patient feedback. Your feedback is a vital part of this as by sharing your experiences we can present them to the practice which, where possible, will help to improve services. During last year’s PPG Awareness Week, we gathered a number of suggestions, some of which have already been implemented. For example, patient flow within the surgery has been streamlined by adjusting the seating. Long waits at reception and on the phone-lines have been addressed by introducing the Accurx system. Accurx allows those with internet access to submit requests online which frees up phone lines and reception for those without online access. This year’s PPG Awareness Week runs from the 31st May to the 6th June and once again we are hoping to make the most of this opportunity by talking to as many patients as we can who visit the surgery during this time.

The National Cancer Plan for England

This plan was launched on World Cancer Day (4 February) and published the following day. The UK government unveiled The National Cancer Plan for England which is aimed at significantly improving cancer outcomes. For the first time, the NHS commits that 75% of people diagnosed with cancer from 2035 onwards will be cancer-free or living well five years after diagnosis, up from the current figure of around 60%. The plan is expected to save around 320,000 lives over its lifetime. Key goals include ending long waits for treatment and by March 2029 the NHS aims to meet all cancer waiting time standards including the target that 85% of patients begin treatment within 62 days of referral, a standard not met since 2014. Hundreds of thousands more patients are expected to receive timely treatment as a result. The plan also recognises the importance of living well with and beyond cancer, including better post-treatment support and new partnerships to help working-age cancer patients remain in employment. Cancer charities and NHS leaders have broadly welcomed the plan, while stressing that full and effective implementation will be critical to closing the gap on cancer survival between England and world-leading countries.

Spring COVID Booster

This year the COVID booster will again be available at the surgery for those over 75 and those with a weakened immune system.

These clinics are not yet scheduled but the practice expects that they will run sometime in April and those eligible will be contacted directly beforehand.

Holiday Vaccination Advice

With the holiday season fast approaching and if you are planning to travel outside the UK, you may need to be vaccinated against some of the serious diseases found in other parts of the world. Vaccinations are available to protect you against infections such as yellow fever, typhoid and hepatitis A. You are advised to see your GP or a private travel clinic at least 6 to 8 weeks before you're due to travel as some vaccines need to be given well in advance to allow your body to develop immunity. This service is available at the surgery but the cost of holiday vaccinations is not covered by the NHS.

Find out which travel vaccines you need

Easter Holiday Surgery Closure Times

Just a reminder that, just like Christmas, Easter has 2 bank holiday days, Good Friday and Easter Monday, meaning that the surgery will be closed for 4 consecutive days. Please make sure you have sufficient medication to see you through this period. The pharmacy next to the surgery will be closed on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday but will be open on Easter Saturday.

‘Pharmacy First’ – Help without a GP appointment

Please remember that your local pharmacy can now offer expert help for many common illnesses such as:

• Coughs, colds, and sore throats
• Earache
• Sinus infections
• Urinary tract infections [UTIs] for women under 65
• Insect bites, skin rashes, and minor problems

Under the ‘Pharmacy First’ scheme, trained pharmacists can give advice, treatment, and can supply certain medicines all without you needing to see your GP. This means faster care for you and less strain on the surgery. The pharmacists are also experts in over-the-counter remedies and will know whether they are safe to take with your normal medication.

If you do require out-of-hours medical assistance at any time, then please use the NHS 111 service or in a life-threatening situation call the 999 Emergency service.

Published: Mar 11, 2026