• improve communication between the Doctors and the patients, and in particular to give feed back to the practice about the patients' principle concerns and expectations.

• provide an informal mechanism for receiving patients' suggestions and constructive criticism about the Practice and its organisation.

• provide a forum for the discussion of health education topics of interest to patients, with special reference to the promotion of health and prevention of disease.

• encourage the promotion of voluntary community care, especially for the housebound and elderly, and the setting up of self-help groups for the patients with particular needs.

• act as a community pressure group using it's influence to bring local needs to the attention of health and local authorities.

In addition to our PPG which has been a successful part of the surgery for many years we are now encouraged to ask patients to join Hampshire LINK.  This organisation is part of a government campaign to encourage patient involvement in the redesign of local health and social services.  Patients are asked to join the LINK by completing a short form and returning it (freepost) to Hampshire Link - PLEASE OBTAIN COPIES OF THE FORM FROM EITHER TWYFORD OR COLDEN COMMON SURGERIES.

You can also contact the LINK by phone; 0845 0601 5859, via email at info@hampshire-link.co.uk or view their web site at http://www.hampshire-link.co.uk/

Minutes: 11 August 2009