SKIPTON people interested in helping to improve the health of their community are being urged to join one of the town's patient participation groups (PPG).

Every GP practice in the country must by law have its own PPG, and in Skipton the two surgeries, Fisher Medical and Dyneley House, both have active groups.

The groups work in partnership with the doctors and practice teams to help ensure the patients' perspective is at the heart of health care provision.

They also aim to make sure services are of a high quality and continuously improve.

Groups also provide practical support in the surgeries, foster improved communication between the practice and its patients and help patients to take more responsibility for their health.

The two PPGs in Skipton are increasingly working together to improve the health of those in the town, and are always looking for new members.

Anyone who values the NHS service and has an interests in their own health, and that of others, is asked to contact one of the two surgeries.

Dr James Thomas, Clinical Chairman of the Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group and a GP at Fisher Medical Centre said: "Having the Patient Participation Group makes sure that the we are providing the best care that meets the needs of our patients here in Skipton. It is the opportunity for patients to talk to us about how we can make changes that benefit Skipton patients."

Rachel Websdale, Practice Manager at Fisher Medical. said the PPG was the 'voice of our patients'.

"It is so important that patients are placed at the heart of the practice and are fully involved in the decisions that we continue to face in improving primary care. Primary care is changing and it is vital that our patients are consulted at all times. We are very proud to have our PPG and we are looking forward to our future together."

Anyone interested can contact Richard Mason, chairman of the Fisher Medical Centre PPG by email at fisher.ppg@nhs.net.