PATIENTS of doctor's surgeries who have something to grouse about might not wish to complain to the surgery, but could do so through its Patient Participation Group.

But with this "official" sounding name, people can be a little wary or not fully understand what a PPG does.

That was why members of Newcombes Surgery PPG were at the Crediton Farmers' Market at the beginning of June - to explain more and to try to encourage a wider age range to join.

Chairman of Newcombes PPG is Lin Denner who was Ward Manager at Crediton Hospital until she retired.

She said: "We would like a mix of ages and society. We are inclusive of everyone. We can effect change because we are a conduit between the patient and the surgery.

"So, if someone has an issue they can come to us. We also have a Facebook page. Come and join us, email us, or 'like' our Facebook page."

Karen Hoskins, a member of staff at the surgery is the PPG secretary. She wondered if younger people might be reticent about joining the PPG because they were less frequent users of the surgery than some other groups.

She said that every surgery had to have a PPG. It was run by the group, not the surgery and was a separate organisation to the surgery Friends.

The next meeting of Newcombes PPG will be on Monday, July 13 at 6.30pm at the surgery. Patients are invited to go along to find out more.

The PPG is there to make sure the surgery services, such as the appointment system, waiting room arrangements, opening hours and anything that affects the service to patients, suits the majority of patients.

"We are always looking for enthusiastic individuals to join the group, share their ideas on how services could be changed and get involved in making those changes," added Lin.

The email address is: [email protected]">[email protected] or check out http://www.facebook.com/NewcombesPPG">www.facebook.com/NewcombesPPG, or contact the surgery on 01363 772263.

Members of Newton St Cyres Community Support Volunteers, the first to be formed in the county, were there to lend a hand.

The Community Support Volunteers can help with just about anything from pet sitting or dog walking, emergency prescription delivery or collections, simply sitting and listening or reading, gardening, cooking, help with filling in forms and much more.

Go along to the Newton St Cyres village Mini Market to find out more or borrow equipment.

Sue Read