Friends of Parkfield Medical Centre

Please view our PPG Events page for the latest events information.

Please visit the PPG Newsletters page to view past newsletters.

Who are we?

The Friends of Parkfield Medical Centre Patient Participation Group (PPG) was formed in October 1998. We are a registered charity (No 1075710). Persons wishing to join the PPG may do so providing they are 18 or over and patients of Parkfield Medical Centre. A committee is drawn from the membership to manage the work of the group.

What do we do?

The overall aims of the PPG are to develop a positive and constructive relationship between patients and the practice, and to inform patients about health care by providing talks and discussions, by publishing newsletters and providing information about NHS initiatives. We also aim to provide items of equipment that the practice is unable to supply themselves and a comprehensive library of books on health topics.

Members of the PPG committee attend wider health forums within Hertfordshire to keep informed of changes that may affect Parkfield patients and to represent patient’s views. Members of the committee welcome feedback from patients on areas of wider concern as well as about what would enhance their experiences at the practice. A list of committee members is displayed on the PPG noticeboard in the surgery.

We have a team of volunteers who assist the surgery/patients in various ways. If you have any spare time and are interested in finding out more, please email us at friendsofparkfieldppg@gmail.com.

We are here to represent you so please do get in touch.

A series of free Health Talks are offered throughout the year, details available through the newsletter and on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com – Friends of Parkfield Medical Centre).

How can I join the PPG?

Please complete the online Patient Participation Group Registration form or download a Membership Form.

Supporting the PPG

If you are able, we welcome an annual donation of £2.00 per adult or £3.00 family membership (or more, by choice). This money goes towards the provision of information, equipment, additional services for patients, and regular newsletters for distribution to members.

If you are a UK taxpayer we can use Gift Aid to recover tax on your donation and boost this by 25p for every pound you donate.

Let’s Talk about Cancer – Money, work, and benefits

Wednesday 23 October 2024 6-30 – 7.30pm

Join us for an online event to learn more about the financial aspects and implications of cancer – money, work, and benefits. We will hear from Jo Bowen the Macmillan Welfare Benefits Team (Suffolk, Norfolk & Cambridgeshire) about some of the financial aspects of having cancer. Worries about money and work are common for people affected by cancer, whether that is paying your bills, returning to work, sick pay entitlements, applying for a Blue Badge, or any benefits you may be entitled to. Jo will share information and signpost you to further support on this often-challenging aspect of having cancer or supporting someone with cancer. We will also hear from a member of the public about their experiences. There will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions.

Please email england.eoecancerallianceteam@nhs.net to register for a place and to be sent the link to join the event, or visit our website Let’s Talk about Cancer: East of England Cancer Alliance.

Potters Bar Hospital Services – Questionnaire

Potters Bar Community Hospital has in the past provided a number of outpatient services but many of these – particularly outpatient diagnostic services – were withdrawn as a result of the Covid Pandemic.

The future of these services at PBCH is in discussion, with your local GPs and the Patient Participation Groups of the three Potters Bar GP Practices pushing for the resumption and expansion of the range of diagnostic services that can be provided.

You can help us by completing the questionnaire below:

Potters Bar Hospital Services – Patient Views Questionnaire

Please return the completed questionnaire to Friendsofparkfieldppg@gmail.com.

Dr Caroline Dain

After 32 years practising as a GP of which 29 have been here at Parkfield Medical Centre, Dr Dain will be retiring from the practice at the end of this year. Please view the news post for more information.